Though politics is by nature divisive, surely we all can agree that foster children need stability, safety, education, opportunity - and love. Vanessa Diffenbaugh agreechilddivisive Change image and share on social
I wanted to write with emotional honesty and tell a story people could connect with. And I wanted people to know how the foster system in America fails children; and how, at 18, they fall through the cracks. Then we can all work together and give support. Vanessa Diffenbaugh americachildconnect share on social
It is stories - both real and fictional - that can captivate hearts, change minds and, in the most powerful examples, spur action. Vanessa Diffenbaugh actioncaptivatechange Change image and share on social
At Camellia Network, we believe if we can create a way of identifying every young person aging out of foster care, defining what they need, and giving a community of supporters a simple and clear way to fulfill those needs, we can produce radically improved outcomes for youth. Vanessa Diffenbaugh agingcamelliacare share on social
We can become anyone we want to become. It takes focusing on the aspect of ourselves we want to change and reflecting on the beliefs that cause us to act in ways that are counter to the change we seek. Vanessa Diffenbaugh actaspectbelief share on social
Our standards for motherhood are so high that many of us harbor intense, secret guilt for every harsh word we speak to our children, every negative thought that enters our minds. Vanessa Diffenbaugh childenterguilt Change image and share on social
I'm very interested in getting inside the heads of people society discards, people on the fringe, especially immigrant kids. We dismiss them without getting into details of who they are. Vanessa Diffenbaugh detaildiscarddismiss Change image and share on social
First drafts are never any good - at least, mine aren't. Vanessa Diffenbaugh draftgoodmine Change image and share on social
My husband and I have been involved with foster youth since our early 20s. Right out of college and not yet married, we spent weekends mentoring a family of young girls. Vanessa Diffenbaugh 20scollegeearly Change image and share on social
Every second I have spare, I'm with my kids. Vanessa Diffenbaugh kidspare Change image and share on social