Send a text Attorney Todd Perkins speaks with Alexis Ramsey, Executive Director of We Care Foster Care, about the foster care crisis, the foster-care-to-prison pipeline, and how education, mentorship, and housing can help vulnerable youth build self-sufficient futures. What happens when children in foster care age out of the system without the support they need to succeed? In this episode of Perkins for the People, Attorney Todd Perkins sits down with Alexis Ramsey, Executive Director of We Care Foster Care, to discuss the realities facing youth in foster care, and the innovative programs working to change their trajectory. Alexis shares her journey from a 25-year career in education, including teaching in Detroit, Malawi, Beijing, and Hanoi, to leading an organization focused on helping foster youth build stable, self-sufficient lives. The conversation explores the challenges many foster children face, including trauma, educational barriers, and housing instability, and the community-driven solutions that can help break cycles of poverty, incarceration, and homelessness. About Alexis Ramsey: Alexis Ramsey is the CEO and Executive Director of We Care Foster Care, a Michigan-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting youth in foster care. Before leading the organization, Alexis spent 25 years as an educator, beginning with Detroit Public Schools and later teaching internationally in Malawi, China, and Vietnam while working alongside organizations such as USAID and the United Nations International School. Throughout her career, Alexis has been deeply committed to advocating for children's access to quality education and supporting the development of the whole child. Her work now focuses on creating pathways for foster youth to achieve education, stability, and independence. What You'll Learn in This Episode The Foster Care Crisis in America Children in foster care often face significant barriers that impact their long-term success. Alexis explains that: Only 38% of youth in foster care graduate high school, the lowest graduation rate of any special population in Michigan.Many youth who age out of the system lack stable housing or career opportunities.Studies estimate that up to one-third of foster youth experience homelessness by age 21.These statistics highlight the urgent need for programs that support foster youth beyond basic placement. What We Care Foster Care Is Doing to Change the Outcome We Care Foster Care focuses on helping youth build a roadmap to self-sufficiency through three core initiatives: Education & Workforce Development Providing tutoring, GED programs, and career training opportunities that prepare youth for stable employment. Health & Wellbeing Supporting the emotional and physical health of youth who have experienced trauma. Agency & Advocacy Helping young people develop confidence, independence, and the ability to advocate for themselves. Connect with We Care Foster Care Learn more or get involved: Website https://www.wecarefostercare.org Facebook https://www.facebook.com/wecarefostercare LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/we-care-foster-care Instagram https://www.instagram.com/wecarefostercare/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@we.care8 YouTube
