About
Core values:
At Foster Care Unplugged, our core values guide everything we do. We believe that in order to make a real impact in the lives of young people in foster care, we must act with transparency and integrity. We are committed to being a better child welfare structure, and we know that this requires honesty, accountability, and a willingness to listen to feedback and make changes as needed.
We also believe in treating our clients, partners, and community with honor, kindness, and fairness. We understand that these qualities are essential to building strong relationships and fostering trust. Our commitment to these values is reflected in everything we do, from our programming to our partnerships and outreach efforts.
We recognize that every young person's experience in foster care is unique, and we are committed to developing culturally responsive programs and initiatives that meet their needs. We believe that by taking a holistic approach and addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of each individual, we can make a real difference in their lives.
Finally, we are dedicated to advocating for our young people and the child welfare governing structure as needed. We know that there is still much work to be done to improve the system and ensure that every young person receives the support and resources they need to succeed. With transparency, integrity, and a commitment to cultural responsiveness, we can create a brighter future for foster care youth.
At Foster Care Unplugged, we are on a mission to enrich and develop the lives of youth in foster care. We understand that many of these young people come from disadvantaged backgrounds and are at risk of being placed in the child welfare system. That's why we are committed to supporting them every step of the way.
Our focus is on promoting positive outcomes for young people who are navigating through their personal journey of healing. We recognize that each person's journey is unique, and we offer personalized support to help them overcome the challenges they face.
For those who have aged out of the system, we know that the transition to independent living can be especially challenging. That's why we also provide support for alumni in need, helping them to build a foundation for a successful future.
Through our non-traditional therapeutic programs, community service initiatives, and advocacy efforts, we are making a real difference in the lives of those we serve. We believe that every young person deserves a chance to succeed and thrive, and we are committed to making that a reality. Join us in our mission to create a brighter future for foster care youth.
OUR mISSION
The Mission of Foster Care Unplugged is to identify foster care youth, and develop their emotional-social skills on their journey to resiliency into adulthood.
Our Vision
To bring awareness, develop partnerships, and create initiatives.
Her Story
Melody Joanne Centeno, LMSW is a remarkable individual who wears many hats. Not only is she a motivational speaker, public advocate, and psychodrama practitioner, but she's also an ABA therapist, talk show host, actress, film director, film editor, and producer.
Melody's passion for helping others led her to graduate from Adelphi University's School of Social Work, where she is recognized as a NYS Licensed Master Social Worker approved by the State Association of Social Work Boards. She now shares her expertise as an Adjunct Professor at Adelphi University's Field Education department, where she supervises undergraduate and graduate social work students. She also uses her SiFi certification and platform to supervise students at New York University.
As a former foster youth herself, Melody founded Foster Care Unplugged in 2016 with the goal of enriching the lives of children in care through the development of positive resiliency skills. Her personal experience has driven her to share her story around the world, empowering youth and enlightening professionals in the field about the importance of being culturally responsive within the culture of child welfare.
Melody's unique style of leadership is a result of her ability to model and teach through the lens of personal experience, merged with professional practice. Her passion for helping others, combined with her expertise and experience, make her an invaluable asset to the Foster Care Unplugged team and to the children and families they serve.
Melody Joanne Centeno, also known as "the Plug," is a role model to many and has made a lasting impression on those who have had the privilege of working with her. She is highly esteemed for her leadership qualities, ability to motivate, and her dedication to improving the lives of those around her.
Melody's goal is to inspire and educate individuals to become their best selves. She uses her platform as a motivational speaker, public advocate, and psychodrama practitioner to stimulate minds, stir hearts, and activate the will within people to achieve greatness.
When she is not working on community projects, Melody devotes her free time to developing her skills as an aspiring actress. Her daughter, Savannah Arielle Acree, is her greatest motivation in life, and she hopes to serve as a blueprint for her daughter and for other young people who look up to her as a role model.
Melody has an impressive portfolio of producing youth-focused projects that aim to empower and inspire young people. One of her notable projects is "Foster Care Unplugged: The Stage Play," which highlights the experiences of current and former foster care youth through theatrical performances. She has also produced short films featuring foster care youth, which shed light on their unique struggles and triumphs.
Foster Care Unplugged is not only dedicated to producing creative projects, but also to hosting annual events that foster a sense of community among young people. These events include a toy drive, a fashion show, and a basketball game with the NYPD.
Melody's dedication to supporting foster youth has expanded to include those who are at risk of being human trafficked. She co-created and facilitated the grant-funded "Mitigating Trauma Through Drama" group therapy model, which combines psychodrama techniques with human trafficking awareness to help mitigate the impact of trauma on young people's lives. Through her work, Melody has become a beacon of hope for many foster youth and vulnerable populations, providing them with the tools and support they need to thrive.
““We are breaking every stigma associated with being a “Foster Child”.
-Melody JoAnne Centeno, Founder
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