The Treehouse HEROES (Helping Everyone Receive Our Everyday Stories) Youth Leadership Program is a membership-based program for young people impacted by foster care and adoption.
HEROES is designed to offer opportunities civic engagement, character growth, and leadership development, and is a growing and evolving catalyst for teen engagement in the Re-Envisioning Foster Care in America Movement.
Our three-fold mission — to change, to teach, and to build community — is accomplished through an intergenerational partnership where the voices of young people are included, and respected. Through the arts, adventure, and advocacy we encourage these kids to be leaders in their own lives, the lives of their peers and families, and ultimately their communities.
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Youth Truth
Youth Truth
Partnering with Enchanted Circle Theater, young people are able to express their truth on stage and on camera, tackling many of the widely held myths and stereotypes that impact their lives. -
Outdoor Adventure
Outdoor Adventure
Through our partnership with the Appalachian Mountain Club's Youth Opportunities Program HEROES Youth Leaders continue to develop and learn in the great outdoors! -
Annual Youth Retreat
Annual Youth Retreat
Partnering with Foster Youth in Action, based in California, HEROES hosts an annual retreat for young leaders from across the state to engage in conversation together and begin to create their agenda for change. -
Enchanted Circle Theater
Enchanted Circle Theater
HEROES is heavily influenced by the theory of arts integration, and we incorporate the arts into everything that we do. Youth leaders support ECT each year at the annual SPARKS Gala! -
Conference Youth Track
Re-Envisioning Foster Care in America Conference Youth Track
HEROES Youth Leaders not only help to design the annual conference, but they also have a front and center role as youth facilitators and educators. -
Inspirational Words
Foster Care Affects Us All But Does Not Label Who We Are
Inspirational words of wisdom from youth and adults created during our annual conference.
HEROES FAQs
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What is HEROES?
The Treehouse HEROES Youth Leadership Program is a membership-based program for young people impacted by foster care and adoption, designed to offer opportunities for:
Civic engagement
Character growth
Leadership developmentHEROES (Helping Everyone Receive Our Everyday Stories) is a growing and evolving catalyst for teen engagement in the Re-Envisioning Foster Care in America Movement.
Our three-fold mission — to change, to teach, and to build community — is accomplished through an intergenerational partnership where the voices of young people are elevated, included, and respected. Through the arts, adventure, and advocacy we help develop connected and productive leadership in these kids' own lives, the lives of their peers, and in their families and communities.
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Who can join HEROES?
◦ Membership in the HEROES Project is open to all young people ages 14 – 24 whose lives have been impacted by foster care or adoption. We take a very broad view of the term foster care to include any youth who has had to spend time being parented outside of their birth family.
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Is there a cost to join HEROES? Is there a commitment?
There is currently no cost for membership in HEROES. As long as funding remains strong we hope to continue to offer programming without a fee.
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What is the purpose or mission of HEROES?
The young people who participate in HEROES benefit from skills development applicable to their daily lives. But the HEROES program also has a public or outward mission:
As HEROES we are devoted to empowering young people to create a better foster care system. Through connecting with others and building relationships, we will make everyone feel comfortable and a part of our community. By changing people’s perceptions, we will make a difference. -
What can HEROES members do?
The majority of our activities occurs during the school year. We offer a mixture of social and community-building events, community service options, and public speaking, but there is no requirement to speak publicly to be a member of HEROES. All teens who do speak are trained prior to any event. Everyone is allowed to choose from options that meet their needs and help them grow.
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What about transportation and food?
Sharing a meal together is one of the special parts of the HEROES program that we all enjoy. We keep everyone fed and happy! We can also assist in coordinating/providing transportation. Through the use of carpools and volunteers, we hope to never have to turn anyone away because of transportation.
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Is HEROES a "therapeutic group or program?" Is HEROES "therapy?"
While we understand that the work we do and the relationships we build are powerful and healing by design, HEROES is not a therapy group or program. Teens may naturally share parts of their life experience with peers during activities, and staff and/or volunteers are always present to help young people process their experience. We rely on the judgment of families, caregivers, and other referral sources to determine if the HEROES experience is a good fit for any particular candidate. If you have questions about what we can and cannot offer, please give us a call.
Our Partners
