Veteran’s Day Video to honor those who serve after DCFS
Foster care and military service don’t seem an obvious fit. However, I found a compelling story in the form of Corporal Patrick Murray, a young man who is building his future after foster care with the Illinois National Guard. We conducted the interview at the armory with some seriously large-scale artillery as the backdrop.
The state’s video crew was running lean that week, so I shot the video and handled the post-production. The package garnered the most views of the year on the DCFS social media platforms. More importantly, it put a positive face on the impact that staff and foster parents can have.
Watch Patrick’s story (3 minutes)
The ABCs of Safe Sleep
I initiated a collaboration between the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and University of Chicago Medicine to promote National Safe Sleep Month in October. We envisioned a community outreach opportunity for new and expectant mothers to learn how to develop safe sleep practices that prevent avoidable infant deaths through demos and discussion.
RESULTS: The event at the Ronald McDonald House drew radio and television outlets in English and Spanish markets. The exit survey I designed provided data to prove the impact and justify the event.
Safe Sleep Press Release Sample
Chicago Tribune Foster Family Feature
Given the task to find a positive foster care story in time for Christmas 2015, I queried the files and my personal contacts to discover the Greyer Family. Faced with the tragic death of their adopted mother, two teens found a new home and their great-uncle found new hope.
RESULTS: We landed a front-page story in the Chicago Tribune that showcased outcomes for older youth.
Welfare Reform
When Congress set out to “change welfare as we know it,” I worked with a group of mothers at Chicago Commons to unpack what that could mean. We analyzed the federal working group proposal from the perspective of those who receive assistance. I helped them voice their concerns through an opinion piece.
RESULTS: The strategy to leverage my Washington Post pitch became a national media campaign on broadcast and an editorial board meeting with USA Today. The women were invited to DC by Congressman Gutierrez to meet with the federal task force and share their expertise and experiences.
Washington Post Welfare Reform
Vanessa Scott James 