Austin Area Embraces 'Raise Me Up' Campaign

The “Raise Me Up” campaign was launched today at a press conference at the state capitol.  Sponsored by Casey Family Programs, the nation’s largest operating foundation dedicated to improving foster care. “Raise Me Up” will provide opportunities for people to make a difference in the lives of children in foster care.  The campaign is limited to the Greater Austin area at this time.

Child Protective Services (CPS) and five community organizations in the Austin area are partnering with Casey Family Programs to help launch the “Raise Me Up” campaign aimed at sparking community involvement and raising awareness to help Texas’ 17,400 children in foster care. The more people know about foster care the more they can do to improve the lives of the children who experience it.

The “Raise Me Up” campaign Web site will connect people with CPS and organizations like  CASA of Travis County, Adoption Coalition of Texas,  Partnerships for Children, LifeWorks, and the Travis County Child Welfare Board. It will also highlight Austin area events that provide opportunities to make a difference in the lives of children in foster care.

Research shows that young people in foster care are more likely than their peers to experience homelessness, poverty, poor health, unemployment, prison and other adversities after they leave foster care.  But it doesn’t have to be that way. When communities get involved, a world of better possibilities opens up. Raise Me Up aims to strengthen families and motivate caring adults to guide vulnerable children to a brighter future.

Together, we can inspire action to strengthen families and improve the lives of foster of children.   You don’t have to raise a child to raise them up. You just have to raise your hand and say you’ll help. 

Learn how you and others can make a difference by visiting www.raisemeup.org