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Good news happens. This episode features poetry, prose, and perspective from Maven Gardner, a 2016 Seattle Youth Poet Laureate, whose writings have shed light on what it means to grow up in foster care and then experience homelessness as an adult in our region.

Maven read some of their poetry during a 2022 United Way Advancing Racial Equity Series event, and they gained some stability during homelessness via Seattle’s youth shelters, many of which were funded by United Way’s work to address homelessness.

United Way recently caught up with Maven, who now lives in Los Angeles and is active in Southern California’s creative circles. They spoke with Hourglass about relocating from the only place they’ve called home and continuing to use poetry to explore issues of race, class, gender identity, foster care, and houselessness.

We will also spotlight United Way’s Free Summer Meals program for school-age youth and discuss a local volunteer opportunity. 

Thanks for tuning in.