Scholarship Prep Orange County and the SP Student Services department led by Kristen Crowe, Chief Community Officer, collaborated with Orange County Social Services Agency to host an on-campus event connecting those who work in the foster community with those interested in becoming foster families at the first in-person Hearts in Motion event.

In our unwavering commitment to providing wraparound support and services needed for students and families to succeed, we recognize the importance of the foster care system in providing children left without a stable home and family with a safe and nurturing environment. However, the process of becoming a foster parent or working within the system can seem daunting and overwhelming. During the event, interactive stations showcased the process of when a child may be put into foster care, allowing attendees to truly understand what happens and how they can support these children along the way, even if they are not able to become foster families. Additionally, community organizations were invited to share about and connect with each other.

The event was a success, with a variety of organizations and individuals in attendance. Booths from a multitude of community organizations, including OC Social Services, CASA, Foster Love, Saddleback Church, St. John's of Orange, For The Children, Foster the City, Olive Crest, Latino Health Access, Foster & Kinship Care Education (FKCE), Care Portal, Cielo, and Diocese were set up to provide information and resources. The event strengthened community partnerships and allowed for reconnection in person after several years apart due to the pandemic.

The Hearts in Motion event was a great opportunity to continue building relationships to support our foster community and share information about Scholarship Prep, thanks to the outreach booth hosted by Stephanie Llamas and Maria Medina. It was an engaging and informative experience for attendees, and hopefully, it inspired some to become foster parents themselves or to continue supporting the community in other ways.