MEET US

What Is The VOC?  

The VOC is comprised of Kentucky foster care youth and alumni aged 16-23 and is instrumental in communicating to foster/adoptive parents, out of home care staff and community partners the issues and needs of youth in care and those who have aged out of the system.

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​The VOC is a diverse group of young people who come together to advocate for positive change for youth that are in state’s care. Members of the VOC work closely with various people including DCBS staff, judges, CASA staff, state officials, private childcare agencies, educators and many more. The VOC also works with current and former foster youth to develop strategies for a brighter future as well as to educate them about their rights, responsibilities, available resources and the policies that effect their life.

VOC

I'm a 22 year foster alumni. I currently attend Western Kentucky University studying sociology and criminology and hope to later earn a masters in counseling. During my time in care I was in both kinship and foster homes and later adopted.  Working with the VOC since early 2017, I now serve as the co-chair. My proudest VOC accomplishment was the completion of SB 115, now a law.

Hello! My name is Tamara Vest and I'm a 23 year old former foster youth. I experienced care from age 9 to 18 in kinship care, foster homes and pre-independent living placements before aging out. Now I'm a senior at the University of Kentucky (Go CATS!) pursuing my bachelors degree in social work and serving  as co-chair of the VOC.   My experience traveling and working with my peers and professionals through the VOC has been an amazing opportunity of a lifetime. In 2020, I also played a significant role in the passage of SB115 to expand the tuition waiver for foster alumni.

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Hi my name is Maria Guerrero I have been in foster care since I was 3 months old, was adopted at the age of 4 and back into foster care when I was 15. I am now a member of the VOC, I’m currently going to college to become a social worker, and I love the fact that I can help any foster youth or former foster youth that crosses my path.

Hi, I'm Taylor Priddy. I am a current Foster Youth and I'm 17 years old. I joined the VOC because I was and currently still am, very passionate to speak against the misconceptions of foster youths and the system.

My time in care was life-changing. I experienced adoption, disruption and abuse during this time, but I also learned so much and evolved into the young woman I am today. I take nothing for granted, nor would I change my past and hardship I went through.

Chris is currently living his story but will be sharing it with you soon!

Hi, my Name is Danasha. I am 22 and an active member of the VOC. I aged out of state's care at 18 and recommitted to the Cabinet until the age of 21. I realized it's important to share your story and have been amazed at how many people have similar stories.  I share my story so young adults know they are not alone.

Cameron is currently living his story but will be sharing it with you soon!

Ginger is currently living her story but will be sharing it with you soon!

Quavie is currently living his story but will be sharing it with you soon!

Desiree is currently living her story but will be sharing it with you soon!

Sam is currently living his story but will be sharing it with you soon!

Dora is currently living her story but will be sharing it with you soon!

Haley is currently living her story but will be sharing it with you soon!

Transitional Services Branch Staff