V.O.C.
Voices of the Commonwealth
Kentucky's Premier Youth Advocacy team By foster youth, for Foster youth
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.
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 MEMBERS
Taylor,
Louisville
My name is Taylor Trent, chair of the VOC. I'm 19 years old with 10+ years of lived experience in the system.
I advocate so I can at least make a change in one child's life. A quote I always live by is "If you can save a child NOW, you don't have to spend years repairing an adult."
Kylie,
Arlington
Kylie is currently living her story but will be sharing it with you soon!
Cailey,
Owingsville
My name is Cailey Martin and I’m a advocate for the VOC. I’m 16 years old and I have 4 years of experience in care.
I joined the VOC because I want to be a voice for kids/teens who do not have one. A quote I’ve always lived by is “You have to get through the storm, to get to the end of the rainbow.”
Katelyn,
Morehead
My name is Katelyn and I’m an advocate for the VOC. I'm 20 years old, mom to a five year old daughter, and I have lived in the system for almost five years.
I advocate for the foster youth, so I can help make a difference in a child’s life. Everyone deserves a chance to live the life they deserve. My foster mom gave me that opportunity, I want to help give it to someone else.
Bob,
Inez
Dante,
Murray
Dante is currently living his story but will be sharing it with you soon.
Mlaey,
Frankfort
My name is Mlaey Jones, I am the historian for the VOC. I have 15+ years of lived experience in the system.
I am currently going to school to be a special education teacher. I decided to join the VOC to find a place where I can help other youth in the system thrive and the VOC is exactly what I was looking for.
Junior,
Lexington
Junior is currently living his story but will be sharing it with you soon!
Magdalena,
Paducah
Magdalena is currently living her story but will be sharing it with you soon!
Bob is currently living his story but will be sharing it with you soon!
Independent Living Coordinators
George Duvall,
East ILC
Tamara Vest,
West ILC
Transitional Services Branch Staff
Paula Saenz,
Branch Manager
Lorraine Wilbur,
Chafee Program Administrator