Care Circle (Ages 18+)
The Care Circle is a peer support group for adults who experienced foster care in their youth. This is a new program being studied and replicated in partnership with faculty in the departments of Psychology and Social Work at Western Carolina University. Teams of young adults are trained to facilitate their own peer support group and to train future facilitators. The goal is to develop long-term, meaningful relationships and an on-going community of support. This program is free, accessible and available to anyone who has experienced foster or substitute care.
Brandon Nivens experienced foster care from ages 12-16 before being adopted by a single woman in Asheville NC, named Bev. At 16, Brandon started working alongside peers, social workers, GALS, foster parents, and youth during an internship with a non-profit catered to those in the system. He later transitioned into a cabin counselor role, then became an instructor mentor, and now he works as a program designer leading his own grant funded program. Brandon is still adding to his list of radio, tv/news, short film, and training video appearances hoping to spread awareness and help those who may have questions about foster care.
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Hi. My name is Robin. I am 27 years old. I went into foster care at age 7 and aged out at 18. Being a child in foster care, I didn't have a safe place to land and I didn't know who I was. I struggled heavily with not knowing how to express myself in a way that felt genuine to me, and with depression and suicidal tendencies.
Care Circle is important to me because it is a safe place to land when I am struggling and need support. It helps me figure out who I am and how to process my triggers/traumas and move forward in my life. Care Circle has taught me skills I need in order keep myself in check. I have learned how to be assertive without being offensive and how to assert my boundaries without feeling guilty or scared of the end result. I have also learned how to be more empathetic and compassionate in my relationships, especially with my daughter. |