Press Releases

WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, May 24, 2017, U.S. Representative Jeff Denham (R-Turlock), in conjunction with the bipartisan Congressional Caucus On Foster Youth, will host former Modesto foster youth, Jordynn Franklin, for the 6th Annual Foster Youth Shadow Day on Capitol Hill. The event allows youth to share their experiences in foster care directly with their Member of Congress to help inform and improve child welfare policy.

“Jordynn is an inspirational young woman, and I look forward to learning more about her and her experience. As we develop policies at the national level, it’s important to understand how they actually affect children in the system, and there is no better way to do that than talk to someone who has come through it,” said Rep. Denham.

Franklin will host a “takeover” of Congressman Denham’s Instagram account (@RepJeffDenham) from 9 a.m. until Noon EDT, giving a behind-the-scenes view of her morning on Capitol Hill; social media users can follow the national conversation at #FosterYouthVoices and #DCShadowDay.

During her time in foster care, Franklin was a leader among peers, serving as her chapter’s chairperson for the California Youth Connection. She is an active participant with the Youth Training Project, where she trains social workers on best practices for working with foster youth. Franklin graduated high school with honors and received the Every Student Succeeding Award. She currently attends Modesto Junior College and Stanislaus State as a business administration major, with future aspirations to become a business owner.