Many people are compelled to donate gifts to children and youth in foster care during the Christmas holiday season (myself included). After the Christmas gifts are barely opened we shift our focus to how we will usher in a new year. A new year exemplifies a new chance to start fresh, another opportunity to change […]
Let’s Start A New Year’s Day Tradition! Read More »
In our work world, evidence-based practice and evidence-based research are King. Objectives, outcomes, and goals are commonplace. In my supervisory role I stress that we have to have proof that we are doing really works. I am a huge proponent of civic engagement and so as I was thinking about the upcoming Dr. Martin Luther
How Will Your Youth Serve? Read More »
January is National Mentoring Month. For many young people great role models and mentors are a part of their everyday lives. Relatives, teachers, and neighbors often serve in that role. Finding positive role models for youth in the foster care system is often more difficult. Luckily, role models and mentors don’t always have to be
I posted a status on my social media accounts a few days ago that read, “A degree can’t produce passion, compassion, and integrity.” I received quite a few “Likes”, retweets, and interesting comments. The responses I received made me really think about what that statement means to me and led me to write this blog
Passion, Compassion, and Integrity Read More »
After weeks of dropping hints, I announced on New Year’s Day that The Teen Toolbox will work for and with youth in the foster care system. Many people have supported the change but wondered why I decided to focus on teens in foster care and why I am making the decision now. The truth is
Why Foster Care and Why Now? Read More »
Since 2007, JaMai has been collecting and delivering purses packed with personal care items to teenage girls in foster care, in group homes, and in homeless shelters. Her project is known as Pack A Purse Holiday Drive™. Although JaMai was away at school until early December and I was unable to handle the physical tasks
Our Best Year Ever: Pack A Purse™ 2011 Read More »
During a recent presentation, a high school student asked if she should wear her school uniform to her job interview at a fast food restaurant the following day. Here are the facts – the young lady has a half day schedule at school and the potential employer is aware that she is a student and
Should She Wear Her School Uniform? Read More »
I encourage teens to do what they love. I believe that teens should do what they love when it comes to hobbies, community services, and employment. So, when asked the question is there a difference between a job and a career my answer is a resounding yes. A job is what you do to earn
Is There A Difference Between A Job And A Career? Read More »
If you’ve read any of my blog posts you know that I am an advocate for volunteerism and service. I also have a special place in my heart for our military. I am eternally grateful to those who protect our security and freedom. I am dedicating today’s post to highlight ways that we can support
We All Can Serve! How Will You Commemorate 11-11-11? Read More »
The process of developing a portfolio in our Packaged For Success™ Portfolio Development Program builds winner habits. Success is within our reach. A habit is a behavior pattern acquired by frequent repetition. Winner and losers do things differently. They not only think differently but they also act differently. Winners have habits that are valuable
Creating A Portfolio Build’s Winner Habits Read More »