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FROM STAFF REPORTS

In honor of Foster Care Awareness Month this May, Second Shift announced its inaugural Colors of Connection collaborative art project—a community-driven initiative designed to raise awareness and inspire action for youth aging out of foster care.

Second Shift, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, supports youth aging out of the foster care system by providing resources to help them transition into sustainable independence.

“Youth in foster care face incredible challenges, and when they age out without a family or support system, their path to stability becomes even harder,” said Tammy Spence, founder and executive director of Second Shift. “Connection and belonging are the most critical factors in their success. Through Colors of Connection, we are uniting the community to symbolize that support through art.”

At the heart of this project is a large-scale collaborative mural, created from individual 10 by 10 canvases, featuring an unexpected yet meaningful medium—the trash bag, an item often associated with foster youth forced to carry their belongings in garbage bags. This artwork will serve as a visual representation of resilience, hope and connection, first displayed in May, at a location to be determined, and later showcased at Second Shift’s annual “Swag the Bag” Trash Bag Art & Fashion Show in November.

Those interested in getting involved may do the following:

• Create art – Individuals, businesses and organizations can design a canvas that reflects the themes of connection, empowerment and resilience
• Sponsor a kit – For $25, residents can help provide an art kit to a participant, ensuring more voices are included in this movement
• Host a workshop – Partner with Second Shift to bring an art-making session to a workplace, school or community space
• Spread the word – Advocate for foster youth by sharing the initiative and encouraging participation

Each art kit includes a canvas, paints, creative materials, including colorful trash bags and more. While participants must incorporate the materials provided, they are encouraged to personalize their artwork, incorporating company logos, branding or personal messages while staying true to their kit’s color theme.

Those interested in participating or learning more may visit SecondShiftAlabama.org today.