elevate
Stories of Hope

Each foster or adoptive child has a story, and elevate works to give each of them a voice. These are just a few of the thousands of voices like them across Iowa.

Becky Clarissa Gabrielle Holly Jackie Jewel Joni Katie Kayla

Lorisha Marlo Ryan Sabreena SaBreena Sean Travis The Baileys

elevate Poets Unleashed!
Click here to read some poetry from our elevate youth.

Desire to Inspire CD: This CD was composed by foster care youth and alumni to creatively express the ups, downs, hopes, and dreams of those who grew up with less than ideal life situations. This compilation of song and poetry marks an inspirational step towards each person’s dreams and aspirations. $10. Download an order form.

Listen to songs from this CD

DVDs: Children & Families of Iowa has created a series of DVDs to help youth tell their stories. To request a copy of the DVD's please e-mail Ruth Phillips.

• Stories of Hope shares the personal stories of several system-involved youth. It not only speaks directly to other youth or foster/adoptive parents, but also to the general public.  It will pull at the heartstrings of all who watch it.
• Insights offers perspectives from legal advocate and the youth they represent with regards to the legal process involved in the child welfare system.
• In Seeds of Hope, system-involved youth share their experiences that they have had throughout their education.  Advice is offered to teachers with how to handle foster/adoptive situations in the classroom.
• Voices of Youth is a combination of poetry and music developed by elevate youth. See below:

Art Spoken is a collection of art created by children who are waiting to be adopted. The pieces in this one-of-a-kind collection reflect what it means to be adopted through the eyes of children. Through the language of art you, too, can experience the joys and heartaches they face every day.  To request Art Spoken to come to your event please e-mail Ruth Phillips. 

elevate is the result of a unique collaboration between CFI, the Iowa Department of Human Services, and the Iowa Legislature. Originally formed in 2005 with Iowa Department of Human Services adoption incentive monies, elevate was developed as a vehicle for youth advocacy and to enhance recruitment of more foster homes for teens. As the group grew and more teens became involved, it was apparent that there was a need for an active voice for foster/adoptive children. elevate became this voice, and it has since become a force of change and education in Iowa’s Child Welfare system.