Urgency to Act: Unlocking Foster Youth Wellbeing
DJay’s Corner
Join the movement to unlock foster youth wellbeing and can the button please say: Learn more. Take action
A Wellness Space for Foster Youth Activists
DJay’s Corner is a trauma-informed wellness space created by the National Foster Youth Institute that equips young adults with the tools, strategies, and community to take care of their physical and mental well being. Staffed by social workers, DJay’s Corner provides respite to program participants during conferences and events and serves as a reminder of the importance of self-care — even when we’re caring for others.
Designed by a social work doctoral student and a former foster youth, DJay’s Corner is a flexible wellness space that can be set up at different events and conferences, offering a quiet retreat wherever it’s needed so that program participants can seek support in working through a challenging moment or simply take a break from a stimulating environment. This may mean talking to a staff member trained in trauma-informed care or doing a quiet activity, meditating, or listening to soothing music. Snacks and drinks are always plentiful. And participants receive kits that include essential oils, journals, and more to take their wellness practices wherever they go.
DJay’s Corner has been used at the Congressional Foster Youth Shadow Day, the Los Angeles Foster Youth Shadow Day, the Chafee 25th Anniversary celebration, and in virtual spaces.
DJay’s Corner is named after Dosha “Djay” Joi, an NFYI member who was a champion for foster youth, and who utilized the wellness space frequently when he participated in our programs.
If you’re planning a conference with lived experience experts and want to bring DJay’s Corner to your event, please email us here. If you’d like to donate to support DJay’s Corner, please click here.
