Keeping Siblings Connected

"Having siblings is like making music, some high notes, some low notes, but it is always a beautiful song."-Anonymous

The Research and Heart Behind why we do what we do?

We understand that trauma is a never-ending struggle that the child welfare system wrestles with daily. We are not presenting that we have a solution to this battle; however, we aim to alleviate some of the sting the blows of trauma causes.In press coverage about her book, The Brain That Loves to Laugh: A Visual Guide to Hope, Humour and Human Connection in Early Childhood, Dr. Jacqueline Harding stated that, "Spontaneous joyful play is an antidote to stress, as it increases levels of endorphins released by the brain."Research from the University of Oxford, led by Professor Robin Dunbar, has found that shared laughter biochemically reinforces closeness. Laughter activates the body's endorphin system, strengthening social bonds, improving group cohesion, and deepening emotional connection between the people who share it, siblings included.This understanding fuels the drive behind why we do what we do. Think about how you feel when you are in the company of people you love ....and who love you...laughing, enjoying, and creating fun memories with each other. There is a light feeling, a carefree feeling, a feeling of safety that occurs in that moment.L.A.Y.'s focus is to create these moments for siblings who are separated in care. We work toward creating events that are centered around connecting siblings who are placed separately. We aim to create an environment that promotes laughter, connection, and safety.Most of our team have over 20 years in the child welfare system. We see the pains and the sorrows that come from children being separated from their siblings. We want to help provide as much reprieve as we can.

From Our FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT

Byron D. Jones grew up in small-town Louisiana, facing circumstances that tested his resilience from a young age. Separated from his four siblings for long stretches, he knew firsthand the pain of disconnection. That experience ignited a passion to help other children—those in foster care, those separated from their siblings—stay connected. This drive led to the founding of Legacy Anchored Youth Inc., an organization dedicated to ensuring no sibling group is left without a lifeline. Byron’s story isn’t just about overcoming the odds; it’s about building bridges for others to do the same.

© Legacy Anchored Youth. All rights reserved. 2026

Thank you

Thank you for being part of this mission. Together, we're keeping siblings connected, one moment of joy at a time.To partner with L.A.Y. email us at:[email protected]