Do you still have Olympic fever? Congratulations to all our amazing Olympic Games 2012 athletes. Let me share a few records with you: Swimmer Michael Phelps is now the most decorated Olympian of all time. Gymnast Gabrielle Douglas is the first African-American all-around Olympic champion and the first U.S. gymnast to win both that title […]
Marlon Shirley: From Foster Care To Athletic Success Read More »
The London 2012 Olympic Games end this Sunday. Olympic fever has taken over the world and provided me yet another opportunity to highlight adoption and foster care – I’m so grateful. After his win, thirty-four year old, shot put bronze medal winner, Reese Hoffa, used his achievement to raise awareness about the numbers of children
Reese Hoffa: Olympic Winner and Adoption Advocate Read More »
If you’ve read my blogs for more than a couple of weeks you know that I am a huge proponent of volunteerism. I believe that each of us has a responsibility to help our fellow man. I am so excited when service meets philanthropy and ABC’s Secret Millionaire TV show marries the two wonderfully. Secret Millionaire
Adoption, Foster Care, and Secret Millionaire Read More »
It’s officially “back to school” time. The rush is on – new school supplies, dorm needs, uniforms and fashionable fall clothing. Is this what the start of a new school year has been reduced to? Education is so much more! Education is a key factor in the attainment of economic stability and self-sufficiency. Educational
Education Means Better Outcomes For Youth In Care Read More »
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.