+++++Victoria Rowell+++++

A Message from Victoria:

Growing up a foster child, little did I dream that someday I would have my own nonprofit organization dedicated to helping foster children.

When I was eight years old, my foster mother Agatha Armstead, enrolled me in a classical ballet school where my interest and passion in the arts was nurtured. Agatha had a wonderful sixth sense. Not only did I learn how to do a pirouette, but the discipline required in ballet became a fundamental force in my life, conditioning me for many opportunities as well as challenges still ahead.

Perfecting a pirouette taught me that I could fit in and get along in the world by merit. It has been a guiding force in my life and has shaped what we do at the Rowell foster Children’s Positive Plan (RFCPP). Unfortunately, far too many foster children are without someone to show them the way.

In 1990, with my acting career in full swing I started RFCCP, a scholarship fund helping foster children thrive through fine arts classes, sports camps, and cultural enrichment. Our goal is simple: to help children who would otherwise not have a chance to reach their full potential. We strive to offer children the same long-term commitment and opportunities that foster parents, social workers, and mentors can provide. I believe that exposing them to these various disciplines at an early age enriches their lives more than we know, just as it did for me and others like me.

Over the past decade, we have sponsored hundreds of foster children, and I am proud to say that some have gone on to careers in the arts. But out work is far from over.

As we strive to reach increased numbers of young people, we must continue to identify funding sources, including corporate and individual donors. We will close gaps by partnering with other organizations when it is beneficial.

I continue my advocacy efforts to change perceptions and bring national attention to the plight of the over 550,000 foster children in this country, many of whom have significant educational and emotional needs, and who have suffered either neglect or physical and emotional trauma.

Foster children are good kids. With guidance and instruction, they will be prepared to become self-sufficient, successful adults. I welcome and encourage your support.

http://www.rowellfosterchildren.org/

National Mentoring Month is January 2007

From official press release on National Mentoring Month:

Foster care: The needs of young people in foster care will be spotlighted in a PSA featuring actor Victoria Rowell ("Young and the Restless"), who spent 18 years in the foster care system and credits a mentor for changing her life. Research has shown that introducing a mentor into the life of a child in foster care provides consistency, support, and encouragement, engendering trust and confidence in the future.

Click the link to view Victoria's PSA.
http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/live/victoria_rowell_psa.wvx