Speak Up For Kids: Empowering Foster Youth Through Awareness and Action

Charity Influencer: Lori Griffith

Founded in 2008, Speak Up For Kids advocates for children who are abused, neglected, or abandoned within Palm Beach County’s foster care system. These vulnerable youths face significant hurdles, including instability, trauma, and interruptions in their education.

Studies reveal that nearly 80% of these children grapple with emotional and behavioral disorders, a rate substantially higher than that of their peers. Additionally, they are five times more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression, and PTSD, often lacking stable relationships that are crucial for emotional well being. This social isolation can make their mental health challenges even more severe.

Photo by Lori Griffith

Maryam Alrekabi, a senior at Jupiter High, is the driving force behind Speak Up for Kids, which benefits foster kids.

Building on the mission of Speak Up For Kids, the organization’s local chapter, Students Speak Up For Kids was launched to raise awareness and provide direct support to foster youth. The initiative was inspired by Maryam Alrekabi, a senior at Jupiter High School, who became passionate about the cause after volunteering with the organization. Motivated to educate her peers, Maryam sought to share her experiences and foster compassion within her school community.

“I wanted to let people know the struggles children in foster care face,” Maryam explains. “Compassion is one of the most important qualities we can have. You never know what someone might be going through, whether it’s abuse, neglect, or abandonment, and we all can be more understanding.”

Maryam presented her idea to her school, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness about foster youth. Alongside co-leader Danielle Day, she works tirelessly to grow the chapter through campus activities, educational campaigns, and social media outreach on Instagram (@jhs_ssufk).

A key part of their work involves debunking common misconceptions about foster care. For example:

Myth: All kids in foster care are “trouble” or have behavioral problems.

Truth: Most foster children are just like any other kids—they’ve simply endured difficult circumstances.

Myth: It’s obvious who’s in foster care.

Truth: You can’t tell by looking—foster youth are classmates, teammates, and friends just like everyone else.

Myth: Turning 18 means they’re ready to go it alone.

Truth: Aging out of foster care can be incredibly challenging, and many young adults need ongoing support with housing, education, and emotional health.

Myth: Foster youth can’t trust anyone.

Truth: Building trust after trauma takes time, but with patience and care, foster youth can develop strong, healthy relationships.

Alrekabi (left) and co-leader Danielle Day, at a recent event. ' We want to connect emotionally with students and encourage them to serve their community. Our goal is full advocacy for every child in foster care,' says Alrekabi.

To bring these messages to life, Students Speak Up For Kids creates videos that explore emotional themes, openly discussing foster care’s realities. “While it’s not the most uplifting topic, we believe in talking about it honestly,” Maryam says. “We want to connect emotionally with students and encourage them to serve their community. Our goal is full advocacy for every child in foster care.”

At just 17, Maryam plans to attend Florida Atlantic University in the fall, majoring in neuroscience with hopes of becoming a physician. Her dedication has inspired many, including her mentor and teacher Kimberly Misewich, who shares her pride:

“I’m so proud of Maryam and everything she’s achieved. She’s opened my heart to this cause, and her passion is truly contagious. Whenever I’m around her, I feel inspired and uplifted.”

For more information about Students Speak Up For Kids, please visit their Instagram (@jhs_ssufk) or join their Google Classroom.