Lived Experiences Leadership Academy (LELA) Day at the Capitol: Empowering Voices for Change

Last week, the Lived Experiences Leadership Academy (LELA), organized by the Children's Action Alliance, held a Day at the Capitol. Individuals with firsthand experience in child welfare and Medicaid shared their stories with legislators to influence policies supporting children and families. 

Their testimonies emphasized the importance of every voice in the legislative process and the power of collective action. Key moments during the week included the meeting between LELA participants and House Chief of Staff Michael Hunter, meeting with legislators Rep. Blackman, Rep. Volk., Rep. Connolly, and LELA and Fostering Advocates Arizona (FAAZ) member Jake Holley testifying before the Senate Health and Human Services Committee on SB1303, supporting the Extended Foster Care program.

The bill passed out of committee, moving closer to building services permanently into law for youth through extended foster care.