18 years in Illinois’ Foster Care System
23 years old
He/Him/His
Gabe Foley earned a degree in Sociology from Bradley University in 2022 before beginning a career in child welfare. He is a former youth in care who now works with child welfare organizations across the country to enhance services and supports for children, youth, and families involved with child welfare.
But when he was 19 years old, he had never heard of a Youth Advisory Board. He got an invite in the mail and begrudgingly went to a Youth Advisory Board meeting with friends. Ever since, he’s been hooked on advocacy! Gabe has been involved in multiple senate bills and house resolutions in his home state of Illinois.
In his free time, Gabe enjoys website development and following the data side of sports. He’s an avid hockey-player and started ice-skating when he was two years old–two months after he started walking! He also loves to go on walks, garden, and play with his pup.
Through his involvement in FosterClub, Gabe hopes to learn from his peers and how they’re able to leverage the community they have built to share their message and promote childhood well-being as a whole.