We are thrilled to announce Ampersand Families will be featured in “Empowered” hosted by Meg Ryan, premiering on Public Television this year and can’t wait to show a VIP sneak peek at the Gala this year!  The upcoming documentary short film features interviews staff from Ampersand Families and Foster Advocates to highlight the urgent need for safe, permanent support for youth in Minnesota, share disparities and disproportional impacts of Minnesota’s Child Welfare System, and the importance of connections to relatives, ​kin, community, and culture for older youth in out-of-home placement in long-term placement success.   The short film will also spotlight Ampersand Families’ work with teens, relatives & kin, and adoptive ready families to support and affirm young peoples’ identity and culture, while Foster Advocates shares what we as a community and state owe Fosters based on their recent Promise Report.   Join us in May this year at the Gala for a VIP showing and an incredible evening!

2026 Bridge to Belonging Program
5:00 PM Registration and Event Kickoff
6:30 PM Program & VIP Showing

At the event, enjoy music, dinner, hear testimonials from Ampersand clients, exciting updates for the future of Ampersand Families, AND a VIP showing of our Empowered by Meg Ryan feature! With your support, youth in foster care can find permanency and consistency in their lives by joining a home that connects them to their relatives, kin, community, and culture through Ampersand Families.

Date and venue are still pending, however, we are looking at Saturdays in late May – Make sure to join our mailing list to ensure you see the announcement!