Today is the first day of spring and April is on the way. You’re probably wondering why I am so excited about April. Well… My birthday is in April and this year is a VERY special one for ME. I will be celebrating my birthday by kicking off our Pack A Backpack Drive on […]
The Big Day Is Almost Here Read More »
Today’s blog post is dedicated to biological parents and foster parents. This week begins National Youth Violence Prevention Week. I know I don’t have to tell you about the terrible epidemic of youth on youth violence and bullying happening in this country. The media has decided to “educate” us on the problem by reposting
National Youth Violence Prevention Week 2013 Read More »
I am a Sesame Street kid who has grown into a Sesame Street adult. In case I haven’t told you before, I literally love Sesame Street. There are four things that Sesame Street does amazingly well in its mission to teach preschoolers that those of us working with teens in foster care should take note
Do You Have A Challenging Teen? Read More »
FACT – There is no such thing as a perfect family. Every relationship and every family has challenges. Miscommunication, temporary disconnection, hurt feelings, and anger are normal. It’s how we deal with these issues that matters most. The goal should be to ensure that we don’t let them take over our lives and ruin
Who Taught You About The Real World? Read More »
Raising awareness about the need to help teenagers in foster care ‘secure’ a forever family through adoption or to help them develop a support system of caring adults who will assist them after their foster care services end is essential to improving their quality of life. I am honored to have been featured as a foster care
How Can Foster Care Lead to Adult Homelessness? Read More »
Like many working adults, I attended classes in the evening while pursuing my Master’s degree in Social Work. There were very few men in my courses. I don’t remember the gentleman’s name or the class we were taking together but there was a discussion about our career goals. While many female come classmates expected to
Tips For New Social Workers Read More »
Years ago I was employed as a Family Support Worker in a community-based organization in a section of the city with the highest poverty, teen pregnancy, HIV/STI, drop out, and unemployment rates. Before each family received services I was required to do a home visit. Some of my clients were teen parents and others were
Let Foster Teens Invite You In Read More »
We have become a society that sensationalizes pessimism. The local and national news grabs our attention with depressing or shocking stories. Controversial headlines lace the front pages of our favorite internet search engines. Political progress has been bogged down with threats of crisis and doom. Even childhood nursery rhymes have been turned into dark movies
Ask What’s The Best Case Scenario Read More »
Each year, an estimated 20,000 young people “age out” of the U.S. foster care system. Many are only 18 years old, have not experienced consistent nurturing and stability, and still need support and services. Several foster care alumni studies show that without a lifelong connection to a caring adult, these older youth face challenges to
Teens In Foster Care Need A Loving, Supportive, Stable Family Read More »
Manuella is a tenth grade student in foster care in the state of New York. Manuella loves photography, creative writing, soccer, and music. Manuella is determined to complete high school and attend college in California. She has her eyes set on higher education in San Francisco. Manuella plans to become a professional photographer. She
SPOTLIGHT on Manuella Read More »