Arielle Skinner recalls spending over 15 years in foster care, then aging out of the system at 21 years old. Skinner grew up in Norfolk, Virginia, then relocated to the Baltimore, Maryland area about four or five years ago.
“I was placed into foster care twice in Portsmouth and Virginia Beach, Virginia,” Skinner said.
Growing up in the foster care system caused her to experience a very challenging transition into adulthood.
“I’ve had to navigate reimagining family to include my “chosen family,” mental health challenges because of the trauma experienced, building a support system, and healing so that I not only can say I’ve overcome the foster care system, but I have also broken cycles,” Skinner added.
Despite the obstacles Skinner endured, the licensed clinical social worker (LCSW-C), nonprofit founder of Fostering Bridges, Inc., author, chaplain, and clinical supervisor with MENTOR Maryland noted that she proudly beat the odds. Skinner explained that she is part of less than 5% of foster care youth who earn a bachelor’s degree and less than 1% who continue their education and obtain a master’s degree.
Mentor Foster Care, located in Baltimore, is a part of the Sevita family of services where therapeutic and medically fragile foster care services are offered to babies, young children and teenagers. Skinner coaches and supervises case workers through Mentor Foster Care. She also helps to guide youth and advocate for them.
“I’m passionate about making sure the voices of youth in care are heard and I strive to create an environment where they feel understood, supported and empowered,” Skinner added.
Skinner—a cycle breaker, loving wife and mother, created the “Bloom: A Self-Love Journal” and “I Am A Sunflower, The Sunflower Is Me” journals to offer guidance, support and a voice to those who might feel unseen or unheard.
The foster care alumna continues her progressive work through Fostering Bridges, while striving to continue to develop programming that will provide additional support to transition-age foster youth.
“Currently, we have our annual scholarships that support local foster youth going to a four-year and two-year college/university have access to dormitory items and financial support. We also are seeking to serve by providing mentorship, resource connection, curated opportunities and experiences for transition-age foster youth, along with communal supports,” Skinner explained.
The two scholarship opportunities consist of a dormitory and a campus bookstore scholarship. They are geared toward foster youth going to college for the first time. The dormitory scholarship involves an all-expense paid shopping experience to help recipients secure essential dorm items. The bookstore scholarship helps purchase textbooks and other essential materials from a campus bookstore.
“The award amounts currently are $500.00, but we are hoping to increase with the support of donors and sponsors. We are also seeking to expand our scholarship to also include an award to support a foster youth currently enrolled in school,” Skinner stated.
The scholarships open November 1, 2024, and the application deadline to apply is June 1, 2025. Skinner shared that the public can support the scholarship efforts by making a one-time or recurring donation; joining a committee; serving on the nonprofit’s board of directors; or becoming a volunteer, partner, sponsor, and sharing the nonprofit’s work.
Skinner further stated that according to Foster Care Capacity, there are approximately 4,300 youth in foster care in Maryland, but only about 1,400 licensed foster families. Mentor Maryland is always looking for foster parents, according to Skinner. Although people from all walks of life and backgrounds are welcome to learn more about the opportunity via mentorfostercare.com, basic requirements must be met to become a foster parent.
It is possible to live a life beyond foster care. Foster youth who are in search of help should connect with their counselors, assigned social workers, and organizations that provide educational resources and support or resources.
“In the state of Maryland, eligible foster youth can access the Maryland Tuition Waiver for Foster Care Recipients that exempts them from paying tuition and mandatory fees at a public college in Maryland. This does not include covering the cost of books, room, board, and transportation. I believe this is an awesome resource and is one of my favorites. Also, some colleges have unique ways that they provide additional support to foster youth who attend,” Skinner said.
“I do believe foster care was a vehicle to get me to where I am today. It also showed me that foster care doesn’t have to be a graveyard but can be a launching pad,” Skinner shared.
Visit www.fosteringbridgesinc.org to learn more about Skinner’s nonprofit and scholarships.
What a testament to Gods good work and plan for all of us! She is truly serving and her life experiences have brought her to give back! Thankful for this story❤️🙌🏽🎁
Arielle, you are an inspiration to so many. Continue to shine bright for the world to see. As you continue to lift as you climb may God continue to bless you and the work of your hands.