PBS SoCal’s Social Impact Initiative “To Foster Change” Launches New Campaign for National Foster Care Month in May
PSAs Voiced by Actor and Rapper Ice-T Share the Idea That One Caring Adult Can Make a Difference in the Life of a Foster Youth
Los Angeles, May 12, 2017 – PBS SoCal KOCE’s “To Foster Change,” a social impact initiative that aims to create understanding, inspire hope and motivate positive actions that change the realities and life outcomes for Southern California foster youth, launches the next phase of its campaign during National Foster Care Month. The campaign celebrates the great efforts of individuals and organizations who are improving the lives of foster youth across the region.
“Our hope is that ‘To Foster Change’ will change the narrative about foster youth and ultimately encourage the community to get involved – to help,” said Jamie Myers, PBS SoCal’s COO and VP of Education & Community Outreach. “We are grateful to Ice-T and the many community organizations whose partnerships helps make this initiative successful.”
Grammy Award-winning musician and critically-acclaimed actor Ice-T lent his voice to six new PSAs that share inspirational stories with the goal of conveying the message that one caring adult can make a difference in the life of a foster youth; they will air on PBS SoCal 1 and PBS SoCal 2 throughout the month, and will be available at tofosterchange.org. Together with web series, articles and social media content, the PSAs are meant to highlight the many ways people can get involved to support Southern California foster youth.
“I’m happy to lend my voice to this important foster youth initiative,” said Ice-T.
During National Foster Care Month, in addition to the PSAs and digital media content, PBS SoCal’s weekly public affairs show Studio SoCal will discuss the current status of Southern California’s group homes and new efforts to increase the rate of adoptions (Friday, May 19, 7 p.m. on PBS SoCal 1). Weekly arts program LAaRT visits the Monkey Business Café to share its workforce development program for former foster youth (Monday, May 22, 7 p.m. on PBS SoCal 1). These efforts are all designed to raise understanding of the issues, and share the many ways people can help foster youth – in addition to becoming foster parents.
About To Foster Change
To Foster Change is a social impact initiative by PBS SoCal that aims to foster understanding, inspire hope and motivate positive actions that change the realities and life outcomes for Southern California foster youth. The three-year initiative includes convenings with those working in and around the foster care system, content – including PSAs, documentaries and digital content – and direct outreach to transition age foster youth. More information is available at tofosterchange.org, as well as on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
About PBS SoCal
PBS SoCal is the home to PBS for Greater Los Angeles and Southern California. We deliver the full schedule of PBS programs plus content that is for, about and by the people of Southern California. Our content is available free through four broadcast channels, at pbssocal.org, on our mobile apps, and via connected TV services. And we provide the community with early education resources and cultural and educational experiences through partnerships, events and grassroots outreach. PBS SoCal has offices in Century City, Costa Mesa, and Los Angeles. Connect with us at pbssocal.org Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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Media Contact:
PBS SoCal KOCE
Tracy Smith
(310) 237-4517
tsmith@pbssocal.org