Get AI Briefings, Transcripts & Alerts on Local & National Government Meetings — Forever.
Kidspace CEO Lisa Clements highlights Birthdaypalooza that reunites foster siblings in Pasadena
Summary
Lisa Clements, CEO of Kidspace Children's Museum, described the fourth annual Birthdaypalooza, an event that reunites siblings separated by the foster system for shared birthday celebrations; she said the program has brought about 1,000 children together over four years and urged donations and partner support.
Lisa Clements, CEO of Kidspace Children's Museum, described the museum's fourth annual Birthdaypalooza, an event that reunites siblings separated by the foster system for a shared birthday celebration in Pasadena.
"Birthdaypalooza is our big annual birthday party for siblings separated in the foster system," Clements said, explaining the program's goal: to restore occasions many children miss when they are placed apart. "We found out that when kids are separated in the foster system, they often miss celebrating birthdays or holidays together."
Clements said the event aims to "make a day where it's everybody's birthday," combining play and celebration so siblings can make memories together. She described activities at this year's celebration — including a shark rodeo, Pacific Island dancers, a mermaid and a large surfboard photo prop — and said the attractions are chosen to create joyful, play-based experiences.
This was the program's fourth year. "Across the 4 years of the program, we've brought about 1000 kids together to celebrate their birthday with their siblings and make memories," Clements said, citing the initiative's four-year reach.
Clements framed play as a critical tool for recovery and development: "Play is critical for developing healthy brains and bodies, for forming strong social attachments, for learning, for healing," she said, and said Kidspace aims to invite children who face access barriers, including foster children, children with medical challenges, and immigrant and refugee families.
She also placed the program in local context: "Today in Los Angeles County, there are more than 30,000 children in the foster system," Clements said, noting that many of those children have experienced abuse or neglect and that the museum works with partners to serve them.
"Obviously, we can't do this work alone," she said, naming partners in the program's delivery: Foster Love, the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), the Pritzker Foundation and the museum's volunteer corps.
Clements closed with a call for support, inviting listeners to contribute through the museum's website to sustain Birthdaypalooza and other programs for foster children. The event this year was described as the fourth annual Birthdaypalooza in Pasadena.
