Mission

Name: Barbara Huggins 
Email: bmh44@pitt.edu
Hometown: Gettysburg, PA
Education/Employment: Arcadia University, Sociology

YAB involvement/ Care Experience: Foster Care at 8 years old, Youth Ambassador at University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work Child Welfare Training Program

Region: Southeast

At the age of 8, Barb was placed in foster care. Although the experience part was rocky it has formed very much who she is today. Before graduating from high school, Barb participated in track and field, Future Business Leaders of America, field hockey, and she took as many art classes as possible. After graduating from New Oxford High School, Barb spent a semester abroad at Stirling University in Scotland.

On May 15, 2009, Barb will graduate from Arcadia University with a degree in Sociology. In her free time she is president of the Student Activist Club and is on a servant leadership team with the Arcadia Christian Fellowship. Barb is also a Youth Ambassador for the University of Pittsburgh Pennsylvania Child Welfare Training Program.  She represents herself and other foster youth participating on panels, committees, conferences, etc. One of the most exciting experiences was the opportunity to testify to House Bill 1245/1246 on the behalf of foster youth. In addition, Barb volunteers her time with the Children’s Defense Fund; Foster Care Alumni of America; and Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children. All of these organizations value the importance of having a variety of people at the table for change. Barb’s unique experiences and passions have found a place at the table working for children, youth, and families. On March 30, 2009, Barb received the Young Woman Callie Award from the United Way of Adams County for her outstanding advocacy work for children and families.  

Barb is currently seeking a position as a social worker or something in the nonprofit sector. At all times, she is aware of how important her voice is for advocating for others. Everybody deserves and needs people who will stick up for them and open doorways to success.   

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Alumni Youth Advisory Board

The Alumni Board would like to educate, advocate, and form partnerships with our youth and families involved in the foster care system. Our goal is to provide real life success stories and bring hope to those youth who struggle to see the light at the end of the tunnel. We seek our alumni to have a voice of reason that will be necessary to embody change within our substitute care system. Our aims is to have the alumni provide insight and remain connected with key issues within the system, as well as provide information to the youth about ways to successfully transition from the foster care system.