Last year, the Texas CASA Collaborative Family Engagement (CFE) team produced an extra special youth journal featuring artwork created by youth who are currently in or have experienced foster care. When producing the journal, the CFE team put out a call for artwork and received several submissions, including two from a youth named Skylar. At the time of submission, Skylar was experiencing a placement disruption and living in a residential care facility — an incredibly difficult time for any child or youth experiencing foster care. When Skylar’s CASA volunteer was told that Skylar’s artwork would be featured on the front and back covers of the journal, he asked his CFE Coach, Maria McCord, to FaceTime Skylar and share the news with her personally.

“I was so honored to be able to chat with her and give her the news myself,” Maria said. “Skylar told me she was having a particularly difficult time and that the news of being featured in the journal was an exciting and heart-warming surprise. The news was especially timely because Skylar’s birthday was the following day. When she found out she was also being awarded a gift card for her artwork, she cried and was very appreciative.”

Skylar’s CASA volunteer later told Maria that after the news, Skylar’s mood shifted and she became inspired again to continue creating art. Maria encouraged the CASA volunteer to complete some CFE tools with Skylar and to get her some new art supplies if possible. “It’s moments like this that remind me of the great work we all do to impact youth like Skylar,” Maria said.

We’re so inspired by Skylar and all the talented youth who shared their creativity with us. Check out some of their artwork below!