https://www.merwinjayact.com/blog daily 0.75 2018-05-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5aecabc55cfd79371f967cc9/1529557212664-6GM48T0P1YD8ZCP2YAB8/2W1A0626.jpg Blog https://www.merwinjayact.com/blog/2018/5/4/foster-youth-power-la-feedback-session monthly 0.5 2018-05-05 https://www.merwinjayact.com/blog/2018/5/4/287vi0kztqew9745obtpdd0qvucg8m monthly 0.5 2018-05-05 https://www.merwinjayact.com/blog/category/Leaders+For+Change monthly 0.5 https://www.merwinjayact.com/blog/category/Foster+Care monthly 0.5 https://www.merwinjayact.com/blog/tag/%23LeadersForChange+%23FosterYouth+%23FosterYouthVoices+%23FosterYouthMatter+%23FosterLA monthly 0.5 https://www.merwinjayact.com/blog/tag/%23LeadersForChange+%23FosterYouth+%23FosterYouthVoices+%23FosterCareAwareness+%23FosterLA+%23MerwinJayAct monthly 0.5 https://www.merwinjayact.com/foster-care-photos daily 0.75 2018-05-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5aecabc55cfd79371f967cc9/1525471337204-W51MQRWL03RA8YPFV7HI/IMG_0843.JPG Foster Care Photos https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5aecabc55cfd79371f967cc9/1525471337204-W51MQRWL03RA8YPFV7HI/IMG_0843.JPG Foster Care Photos https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5aecabc55cfd79371f967cc9/1525471340089-4YUAEC5G9FMZOHHRYX5Q/IMG_0897.JPG Foster Care Photos https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5aecabc55cfd79371f967cc9/1525471345739-7AL07W5CPK9JKEYPU8JQ/IMG_0901.JPG Foster Care Photos https://www.merwinjayact.com/fosteryouthresources daily 0.75 2019-01-30 https://www.merwinjayact.com/resources daily 0.75 2026-03-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52a74d9ae4b0253945d2aee9/1390928870858-4D9B6T9WGP8017NSS9W3/topography.jpg Resources https://www.merwinjayact.com/home daily 1.0 2026-02-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5aecabc55cfd79371f967cc9/1529525134455-BZUHX4O7YHBPRPSZE9HR/2W1A0662.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5aecabc55cfd79371f967cc9/1634268808984-JPMZH1W87TP0SZCZ11EM/Gradpic.jpg Home - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5aecabc55cfd79371f967cc9/1717642613824-DAGZ71J42PEXS9D7XBMS/638520142015618492.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5aecabc55cfd79371f967cc9/1717642654402-EW7MM1R0S79UY74LFCTQ/thumbnail_Gradcap.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5aecabc55cfd79371f967cc9/1717642613666-1CO3WZBNAYFLL8PT84VW/638520150142708883.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5aecabc55cfd79371f967cc9/1717642620984-VWGW7GD2C4KFAYZJ48DD/638520141868768091.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5aecabc55cfd79371f967cc9/1717642602160-D9NHPOCWKYJAC97EN70H/638520141929300031.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5aecabc55cfd79371f967cc9/1717643852203-LOLOP425LY0A0A4IM4TM/R05_1033.jpeg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5aecabc55cfd79371f967cc9/1717643949892-TCS07DDKN9X4ST8XD4WA/R05_0901.jpeg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5aecabc55cfd79371f967cc9/1717645284370-XRNGA776OQUOO3RTX4BO/IMG_8345.jpeg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5aecabc55cfd79371f967cc9/915b5b4d-0bab-412b-b786-e1941747db4c/IMG_8893.jpeg Home - Washington D.c In 2022, Junely embarked on a remarkable journey as she joined the National Foster Youth Institute, proudly representing California as a delegate. Armed with a fierce passion for advocating for the rights and well-being of foster youth, Junely eagerly took up the opportunity to make a meaningful impact at a national level. Her dedication and determination to effect positive change in the lives of fellow foster youth were unparalleled. With her extensive firsthand experience navigating the challenges of the foster care system, Junely brought a unique perspective and a powerful voice to the table. As a delegate, she fearlessly raised awareness on the critical issues faced by foster youth and fought for necessary reforms. Junely's unwavering commitment and ability to connect with others propelled her to become a true beacon of hope, showcasing the incredible potential within foster youth. Junely was featured in the news twice for her advocacy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5aecabc55cfd79371f967cc9/1529525068870-X2SJS4AZSCRJ2S11EFJK/2W1A0619.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5aecabc55cfd79371f967cc9/1529558702729-GYHHQDEA17PYC74J5FFA/2W1A0626.jpg Home https://www.merwinjayact.com/aboutjunely daily 0.75 2026-02-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5aecabc55cfd79371f967cc9/1717721644247-FHVLI325H5D4A1Y783D1/638520141929300031.jpg My Story https://www.merwinjayact.com/press-and-media daily 0.75 2026-02-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5aecabc55cfd79371f967cc9/1530170482465-VSL0VYPSWSHZ83YQGPLA/IMG_8361-2.jpeg Press and Media https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5aecabc55cfd79371f967cc9/cfca5226-198c-4134-8a62-5479c496840c/1ED1C946-B578-4173-ADD0-617BC54CAF03.JPG Press and Media - Make it stand out Junely served as the statewide keynote speaker for the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office during Foster Care Awareness Month in May 2025, drawing on lived experience and professional expertise to engage educators, administrators, and program leaders across the state on trauma informed support, equity, and student success. May 12, 2025 — Keynote Feature https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5aecabc55cfd79371f967cc9/bdefd14a-a1b1-44c2-b2d9-c663e2fe05e2/DSC04688.JPG Press and Media - ICanGoToCollege.com EDUCATE. ELEVATE. Podcast Junely featured on the Educate Elevate podcast presented by ICanGoToCollege.com, where the conversation explores how access to basic needs support and campus resources can shape student success. The discussion highlights the financial instability and academic barriers many students face and how these challenges can impact persistence in higher education. The episode also examines statewide efforts led through the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office to address these barriers, including programs like NextUp that support current and former foster youth through resources such as food assistance, transportation, tutoring, childcare, and emergency housing. Together, the conversation centers on how coordinated support and institutional commitment can help students thrive. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5aecabc55cfd79371f967cc9/dff2e112-8eb2-4526-a823-d18a95367b8c/Junely+Merwin+featured+in+Spectrum+News+2022 Press and Media - Make it stand out In 2022, Junely was a delegate for National Foster Youth Institute founded by representative Karen Bass. Junely advocated at the Capitol Hill on behalf of 400,000 foster youth across the nation. She shares her story with Washington D.C Spectrum News. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5aecabc55cfd79371f967cc9/5ff42a95-c5bf-4273-bfe4-0495ffb12704/IMG_9314+3.jpg Press and Media - Make it stand out LOS ANGELES, CA - July 1st, 2022 - Junely was featured on Fox 11 LA News. Motivated by her own experiences as a teen parent in foster care Junely took on the role of a fierce advocate for foster youth. Through her advocacy work, she gives a voice to those who are often unheard, shedding light on the challenges they face and advocating for essential changes in the system. She shares her work with John Burton Advocates for Youth passing important laws like NextUP funding to fund foster youth programs at all 116 community colleges in California. In addition, she shared her experience advocating at Capitol Hill and meeting mayor of Los Angeles, Karen Bass. Junely's remarkable journey serves as a beacon of hope for foster youth everywhere. Her story showcases the power of resilience, determination, and a strong support system in overcoming adversities. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5aecabc55cfd79371f967cc9/3bd2e9a5-6b55-4f4b-96f5-d660a9f903f2/536E1761-5A60-4702-B228-CF981554F600.png Press and Media - Junely Merwin receives 2022 Shining Light Award for exemplary advocacy efforts to prevent child abuse and to support youth in foster care. In honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month, The Raise Foundation awarded Junely Merwin the Shining Light Award which was shared virtually at their 28th Annual Blue Ribbon Kickoff Event. Junely is the only person ever to receive three nominations for the award. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5aecabc55cfd79371f967cc9/1634268808984-JPMZH1W87TP0SZCZ11EM/Gradpic.jpg Press and Media - Student-Parents suffer from lack of childcare on college campus. The Hechinger Report featured Parenting Student Advocate Junely Merwin. Article: “Students parents suffer as more campus child care centers close.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5aecabc55cfd79371f967cc9/1634596330341-9L9I5LB0CEKQ8TCRWJ7S/Junely-Merwin_-headshot-683x1024.jpg Press and Media - Child welfare Ideas from the Experts #10: Connecting Parenting Foster Youth to Resources, Child Care. By The Imprint, John Kelly https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5aecabc55cfd79371f967cc9/1525471946582-3V7EJGHFYFOGTFCUU9HW/Foster+Youth+Advocates+for+SB528 Press and Media September 2013, Governor Jerry Brown signs SB528 into law. 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