Sonya Brown is a dedicated social worker who has become a nationally recognized advocate for young people in foster care, particularly those who are aging out. Financial support for foster children ends on their 18th birthday – complicating the circumstances of teenagers who often also find themselves without a strong family unit for support.
Sonya builds support for New Orleans’ foster teens through Project18, which provides resources for them to complete their education, find employment and secure housing. More importantly, Project18 connects foster teens with ongoing emotional support from friends and mentors, creating an informal family network.
Sonya works with multiple foster care support organizations and has testified before the U.S. Congress on multiple occasions. She is working with other volunteers of Project18 to raise enough money to build transitional housing for young people aging out without a place to live.