What We Do
We collaborate with the Bruin Tutor Network, a newly developed program hosted by the UCLA Pritzker Center to tutor children in the foster care system. By outlining presentations, we better prepare the tutors to deliver trauma-informed care and strengths-based tutoring. We also collaborate with external organizations to empower and mentor youth in the foster care system.
Currently, Project FAY aims to spread awareness about inequalities within the foster care system through our Facebook page of the same name, Fostering Awareness for Youth (FAY). Our Facebook page is a campaign to raise awareness about the complications associated with the foster care system and its consequent effects on youth in the foster care system. Foster your own social responsibility and show your support by liking the Facebook page, sharing our posts, and engaging people in your communities about foster youth and the foster care system! Check out the Facebook page for Fostering Awareness for Youth (FAY) here!
Why Our Work Is Important
Our project focuses on bringing attention to a population that is underprivileged and largely overlooked. Many of the youth in foster care system lack the resources and opportunities other kids of their age may have. As a result of adverse childhood experiences, many youths face negative life outcomes and coping mechanisms after their transition out of the foster care system, such as emotional and cognitive impairment and the adoption of health-risk behaviors. We hope that our efforts can counter the potential effects of adverse childhood experiences so that the youths can lead healthier lives.
What Members Gain
EXPERIENCE
Members of Project FAY have opportunities to work with a population that most people at UCLA are not familiar with. Not only do members have a chance to positively impact the lives of the youths, but they also have the opportunity to learn from these youths.
MINDFULNESS
Members have the chance to engage with an underrepresented community through mindful activities and learn about the foster care system. After sustainable engagements with foster youth, members gain a deeper insight of the diverse narratives of youths.
CREATIVITY
Because Project FAY facilitates site visits through activities and demonstrations, members have a chance to hone their communication skills, strengthen their professionalism, and demonstrate their creativity.
Our Directors
TIFFANY CHEN
Project FAY Co-Director | Human Biology and Society Major and Disability Studies Minor 2023
I am so thankful for MESH for granting me opportunities to work with the underserved community and for educating me on the foster care system. I’ve gained valuable experiences in working with the Bruin Tutor Network to develop support and resilience training for tutors and in creating awareness campaigns to lift up youth in foster care. Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue as Project FAY as Co-Director and to bond with fellow members and officers through our amazing MESH socials. In my free time, I enjoy golfing, long walks anywhere, and lining up for BPlate!
ARIANA IRANMAHBOUB
Project FAY Co-Director |
Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology Major 2023
Through serving the Los Angeles community, I am grateful for all the invaluable experiences MESH has granted me from broadening my perspective to educating me on underserved communities. I strive, alongside such incredible peers, to learn more regarding the challenges youth in the foster care face. We hope to use what we have learned to spread greater awareness of such challenges and share resources/information that can support the youth. Aside from MESH, I love solving Sudoku puzzles, reading books, drawing flowers, and going on adventures with family and friends!