Why We Go Purple in May

Every May, communities across the country recognize National Foster Care Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the experiences of children and youth in foster care and the urgent need for safe, supportive homes.

Traditionally, the color blue has long been associated with foster care awareness and child abuse prevention. It symbolizes healing, safety, trust, and hope for children who have experienced trauma, loss, and instability. We honor and respect the history and meaning behind that symbol and the voices of those with lived experience in foster care who continue to advocate for children and families.

At Together for Youth, we also recognize something important: awareness must lead to action.

That is why, every May, we ask communities across New York State to Go Purple for Kids and Care.

For us, purple represents communities coming together on behalf of children. It represents compassion, advocacy, and action. It is a call for people to learn more, speak up, support families, and consider becoming foster parents for children who need safe and caring homes.

Because while awareness matters, children also need people willing to step forward.

Together for Youth serves children and families in 60 of New York’s 62 counties, and every day we see the ongoing need for more foster homes across our communities. There are children tonight who need stability. There are siblings hoping to stay together. There are teenagers who need someone to believe in them. There are young people who simply need to know someone will show up for them when it matters most.

That is the heart behind Go Purple.

This campaign was never created to replace the meaning of National Foster Care Awareness Month. Instead, it was created to inspire action during a month that shines a national spotlight on the needs of children and families connected to foster care.

And the response from communities across New York State has been inspiring.

This month alone, more than 2,000 individuals have already pledged to Go Purple for Kids and Care. Businesses, schools, organizations, community groups, local leaders, and families have joined us in raising awareness and encouraging others to learn more about fostering and supporting children in need.

To every person, business, organization, and community partner who has participated this year: thank you.

Thank you for helping children feel seen.
Thank you for helping families feel supported.
Thank you for standing with us in this mission.

Most importantly, thank you for helping bring attention to the urgent need for foster parents across New York State.

While our Go Purple campaign takes place during May, our work does not stop when the month ends. We recruit foster parents every day of the year because children need safe, caring adults every day of the year.

There is still time to join us.

We invite individuals, businesses, schools, organizations, and entire communities to take the pledge, Go Purple, and help us spread awareness about the need for foster families across New York State.

Learn more and take the pledge here: togetherforyouth.org/go-purple

Because every child deserves safety.
Every child deserves support.
And every child deserves people willing to show up for them, not just in May, but all year long.