Every Milestone Matters

“We see you, we’re proud of you, and what you’ve accomplished matters.”

These are words that many youth living in the foster care system don’t get to hear often enough. On August 14, 2026, Declare No More (DNM) had the privilege of partnering with Madi’s Movement for their first Every Milestone Matters celebration. The heart behind this event was to ensure that teens aging out of the foster care system felt loved, seen, and celebrated. 

“It started out as a possible graduation event for young adults,” Julie Protokowicz, Outreach Director for DNM, explained, “but then we got to thinking about more than just educational accomplishments. It really started to take root after we thought about the moments in life you typically celebrate with loved ones, that were a turning point, that were a milestone worth celebrating.” 

The DNM team came alongside Madi’s Movement to create a special experience for everyone by providing food and cake as well as bringing in volunteers who assembled personalized gifts for each individual being honored and served behind the scenes throughout the event. Whether they graduated, earned their GED, moved into their first apartment, started a business, or reached another milestone, the goal was for these young adults to know that their accomplishments matter and deserve to be commended. 

Madi’s Movement’s mission is to support teens aging out of foster care and help them build strong, independent futures, no longer reliant on any system.

It is central to Declare No More’s character to collaborate with organizations such as Madi’s Movement because their team is on the front lines every day working towards what DNM fights for: a foster child finding unwavering support and no longer living out of a place of vulnerability. And where vulnerability is reduced, so is exploitation. 

The DNM team was deeply moved as they processed the impact of this crucial work in the world of foster care.

“The connection between those aging out [of foster care] and the very real reality of being at risk of trafficking is something to think through and communicate well. Sometimes our events highlight incredible organizations and bring awareness for those looking for their spot to serve, but, oftentimes, our events equip people with the knowledge of where to lead at-risk individuals so that the vulnerability diminishes,” Protokowicz reflects. 

Fran Julien, DNM’s Anti-Trafficking Manager, shares statistics related to this population of young adults in every awareness training she provides. “25% of foster youth enter the criminal justice system within just two years after aging out,” Julien stated, “And here [at the Every Milestone Matters celebration] stood a group of kids who are defying that statistic, who are being poured into so that their life circumstances don’t relate to the stat that 60% of trafficking victims have a history in the child welfare system. Their lives are being actively changed and impacted, not only for themselves, but for generations to come.”

You don’t have to have all of the answers to serve children in the foster care system. All you need to do is say “yes.”

“Serving doesn’t always have to be complicated,” Melissa Pinero, DNM’s Partnerships & Events Coordinator, reflects. “Sometimes it really is just showing up, being willing to help, and celebrating someone well. There were so many people there who simply showed up to say, ‘We see you, we’re proud of you, and what you’ve accomplished matters.’ Those are the moments that remind me why partnerships and opportunities like this are so important.”

If you feel led to serve, you can start today by saying “yes”. You can stand with us at Declare No More and help us fight against vulnerability and exploitation. Whether it’s signing up for an upcoming volunteer opportunity, attending an awareness event to learn more, or supporting the work financially – there are so many ways you can make a difference in the lives of children in need.