Shane Read is a former foster youth of the state of Minnesota. Read was in care for 11 years before being abruptly dismissed before his 21st birthday. Read briefly lost sight of his life until he was 19. He attempted suicide just after his 19th birthday, and when he got out of the hospital, his life changed. He met two wonderful staff at his local drop-in center for youth and families, got started in their ILS program and soon after became a member of the Youth Leadership Council. Since then, Read has had numerous opportunities to speak in and out of state, travel the US for various conferences and make numerous amounts of connections with other youth and Congress. Read continues his advocacy by being a part of this year’s Foster Advocates Fellowship, and will join the Community Board later on. He hopes to inspire youth all over and be the voice they never had.
