Jimmy Wayne Named Spokesperson for FosterClub

FosterClub, the national network for young people in foster care, named Jimmy Wayne as its National Celebrity Spokesperson.

 

Wayne grew up in foster care and strongly believes in the importance of supporting foster youth, especially once they turn 18-years-old. The milestone cuts off the nearly 30,000 foster youth from the program and forces them to fend for themselves. However, during this time in a youth’s life, they are more likely than their peers to end up in jail, on public assistance or pregnant. A quarter will end up homeless.

 

“From my past, I know firsthand what young people in foster care are facing. Young people in this country should not be faced with that kind of situation - especially kids who we’ve stepped in to care for when their families couldn’t," Wayne said. "If the bit of celebrity I have can help me raise awareness of this situation --that there are kids and young people out there who need our help, then I feel like I have accomplished my goal.”

 

Wayne, who was taken in by Bea and Russell Costner when he was 16, is thankful for his second chance.

 

"I was this teenager with long hair and tattoos, but they saw past that to the scared kid I was. They offered me a place to live and the opportunity to go back to school. In turn, I had to meet them halfway by helping myself, which meant studying, doing chores and following the rules. They provided me with a way to help myself make a life. They gave me a home, love and respect."

 

Wayne has taken his role as spokesperson beyond just a representation for foster youth. He began his Meet Me Halfway project, a walk halfway across the country to raise awareness of homeless youth who age out of the foster care system, earlier this year.

 

“I'm not asking people to come out and walk with me, but I am asking them to meet me halfway by getting involved-- donate money, adopt a kid, learn more about the foster child/foster parent program in your local community,” said Wayne. “There's so much one person can do and so many ways they can make a difference,” he continued. “It just takes one person to help someone to a better life."