A Milestone for Child Welfare Transformation: Celebrating Sixto Cancel and Think of Us’ $47.5 Million Achievement
When I was torn from my family at the age of 10 and placed into care, I could never have imagined that the child welfare system would be transformed by someone who looks like me. I had the honor and pleasure of joining Sixto and his team at Think of Us for their launch of the Center for Lived Experience in Washington DC less than a year ago. Since then, my colleague and friend has been working tirelessly to manifest his vision for a child and family system of the future, one that is more compassionate and effective. Today, I am incredibly proud to share the news of Sixto’s latest accomplishment: securing nearly $50 million in additional funding for child welfare system change.
The $47.5 million commitment from The Audacious Project, to be distributed over five years, will help Think of Us accelerate the transformation of the US child welfare system. By leveraging data, technology, and the lived experiences of those impacted by the system, Think of Us is poised to create lasting change in child welfare, building a system that truly invests in the well-being of children and families.
Founded in 2015 by Sixto Cancel, Think of Us has garnered recognition from the White House, Congress, and federal leaders across multiple administrations. Sixto, a former foster child himself, has been named a Forbes Top 30 Under 30 Social Entrepreneur and a White House Champion of Change. The Audacious Project’s commitment represents one of the largest investments ever given to a systems change organization led by a leader of color with lived experience.
Under Sixto’s leadership, Think of Us aims to address the systemic issues in child welfare, including the disproportionate impact on communities of color and the need for better family support. By harnessing the power of technology, data, and the voices of those who have experienced the system firsthand, Think of Us will work with child welfare agencies nationwide to develop and implement innovative, effective solutions.
As a long-time partner, the Annie E. Casey Foundation is excited about the potential of this groundbreaking initiative. Sandra Gasca-Gonzalez, Vice President of the Foundation’s Center for Systems Innovation, says, “Think of Us is unique in the way it designs solutions with the power of technology and the expertise of young people who have experienced foster care. This is a tremendous opportunity for Sixto and Think of Us to scale innovations that improve outcomes for young people.”
I am incredibly proud of my brother Sixto and look forward to supporting his efforts as we work together to create the system that vulnerable children, families, and communities need. If you haven’t yet, I encourage you to learn more about Sixto and find a way to support his work. Our future depends on it.
