Nearly 40 youth experiencing foster care in Guilford County were recognized at a April 26, 2008 Reflections of the Heart Awards Ceremony, for participating in the Art & Essay Contest, a collaborative project between FFNC and the Junior League of Greensboro (Winning Pieces). Author Ashley Rhodes-Courter, was the keynote speaker at the event, held at the Green Hill Center for NC Art. The event was also help kick-off National Foster Care Awareness Month, which is May.

Through a generous grant from the Junior League of Greensboro, FFNC introduced the Reflections of the Heart Art & Essay Contest in September 2007 for youth experiencing foster care in Guilford County. The initiative was designed to provide a creative outlet for these youth to share their stories and art. They were asked to write an essay or poem or create an artwork sharing their experiences in foster care and what they would change about it; their hopes & dreams; examples of individuals or experiences that helped change the way they see themselves; or a time when someone really listened them. A writing and art workshop with professional artists and writers was held over the weekend of February 9 & 10, 2008. Participants received free art and writing supplies. Top contest winners received up to $500, among other prizes.

"Our goal at Foster Friends was to provide a creative outlet for foster children to share and express their stories, as well as to raise community awareness of the special needs of these vulnerable youth," said Melissa Fourrier, FFNC's Executive Director. "This program provides a window into the lives of children who feel they have no voice in the decisions being made about their lives and the circumstances under which they left their homes and families. Through words and pictures, foster children share what it feels like to experience the brokenness and heartache of severe loss. Their pictures and stories share what no amount of statistical reporting can possibly convey."

"The Junior League of Greensboro is proud to have partnered with Foster Friends of North Carolina for the Reflections of the Heart Art & Essay contest. This project speaks to the mission and purpose of our organization which is to impact change in our community through effective volunteerism," stated Wendy Gatlin, The Junior League of Greensboro—Project Chair for Foster Friends. "Our greatest hope is that this project has made a difference in the lives of each child who participated, and in some way acknowledges and gives them hope that there are people who are concerned and value what they have to say. In addition, we hope that those in a position to effect change will be moved by these children's stories to do their very best to bring about meaningful change. It has been a blessing and an honor to serve with the many dedicated volunteers on this committee."

Contest winners and other participants were recognized by Greensboro Pro Tem Mayor Sandra Anderson Groat. Two successful adults who grew up in foster care, Greensboro businessman Robert Mitchell, author of Castaway Kid, and Maurice Webb, a consultant to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, gave out the awards. Rhodes-Courter grew up in foster care and she documented her experiences in her memoir,Three Little Words.

The Art & Essay Contest will be offered again in 2010.