First Lady Lydia Horhn calls for community support for foster youth

JANS – On July 13, City of Jackson First Lady Lydia Gail Horhn joined the Mississippi Southern First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Church of God in Christ, Inc. (COGIC) for a powerful gathering of worship and fellowship, where she served as a guest speaker and helped shine a light on the urgent needs within the foster care system.

During her remarks, First Lady Horhn highlighted the reality facing thousands of children, both in Mississippi and nationwide, including the shortage of licensed foster homes, the challenges tied to neglect and parental substance abuse, and the more than 20,000 youth who age out of the national system each year without permanent family support.

She encouraged attendees to take action by mentoring, tutoring, and supporting foster youth as they prepare for adulthood, whether through guidance on education and careers, or by helping meet critical needs like transportation, mental health services, and financial literacy.

“Stronger support for foster youth helps create safer communities and opens the door to brighter futures for our children,” said First Lady Horhn. “Each small act of care and guidance can change the course of a child’s life.”

The First Lady also commended COGIC and Davis Temple COGIC for elevating this important issue and supporting both children and the professionals who serve them.