I’m just as connected to my elementary school as I am to my senior high school. I met two of my dearest friends there. We are watching each other’s children grow up. Through the wonders of social media I have reconnected with my Kindergarten and Pre-Kindergarten teachers. (Yes, they still remembered me all these years […]
Every Youth In Foster Care Deserves What I Had Read More »
Years ago I worked in a transitional living program for young adults 18-21 years old. The “residents” included teen mothers and a few young people who were in the foster care system. The teen moms shared a room with their children and all other residents shared one bedroom apartments. Each person was required to seek
Why Is 21 The Magic Cut-Off Age? Read More »
Separation of siblings in foster care happens all too often. Two made for TV movies shed light on this common practice that often adds additional trauma at a time when young people need the love and familiarity of family the most. This weekend I watched the GMC movie Raising Izzie. I love GMC so
Movies Portray Sibling Separation In Foster Care Read More »
The results of a poll conducted by the consulting firm Twentysomething, Inc. states that roughly 85% of recent college graduates planned to return to their parent’s home. “Boomerang kids” as they are now known are adults who left home for education or work and due their inability to find well-paying jobs have had to return
No Boomerang When You Age Out of Foster Care Read More »
We all want to belong – to be accepted in a group. We want to socialize and hang out with people with whom we have common interests. These desires play out in different ways – enjoying a sleepover with friends, good times sharing a cabin at summer camp, and partying in a college dorm room.
Be A Part Of A Group, Not A Group Home Read More »
WATCH (poem) By Frank Outlaw Watch your thoughts, for they become words. Watch your words, for they become actions. Watch your actions, for they become habits. Watch your habits, for they become character. Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.
What is Mandela Day? – Following the success of Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday celebrations in London’s Hyde Park in June 2008, a decision was made to celebrate Mr. Mandela’s birthday each year with a day dedicated to his life’s work and that of his charitable organizations, and to ensure his legacy continues forever. The
Become a Mandela Day Changemaker Read More »
How did you celebrate the birthday of The United States of America? Cookout? Parade? Did your Independence Day festivities end with a spectacular fireworks show? Independence Day for many teens in the foster care system comes on their 18th or 21st birthday. Last year on my daughter’s 18th birthday there was a major, unexpected east
Happy Independence Day When You Age Out of Foster Care? Read More »
WINNER’S BLUEPRINT FOR ACHIEVEMENT By William Arthur Ward BELIEVE while others are doubting. PLAN while others are playing. STUDY while others are sleeping. DECIDE while others are delaying. PREPARE while others are daydreaming. BEGIN while others are procrastinating. WORK while others are wishing. SAVE while others are wasting. LISTEN while others are talking. SMILE while
Winner’s Blueprint for Achievement Read More »
Approximately 20,000 youth age out of foster care every year without a permanent family. Other youth are discharged from foster care before the age of age 18 and reunite with their biological families. Their family connections are often weak and these young people may quickly find themselves without a stable place to live. Another group
Show You Care Before They Exit Foster Care Read More »