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Happy Veteran’s Day

By Nicki Sanders | Nov 11, 2013 | Comments Off on Happy Veteran’s Day

I am grateful to all Veterans and their families for your selfless sacrifice. THANK YOU!

7th Annual Pack A Purse™ Drive Starts TODAY

By Nicki Sanders | Nov 8, 2013 | Comments Off on 7th Annual Pack A Purse™ Drive Starts TODAY

Our 7th Annual Pack A Purse™ Drive launches on TODAY, November 8, 2013. We are collecting purses (including totes and other handbags) filled with personal hygiene items for teen girls in foster homes, group homes, and homeless shelters. Only new and gently used purses will be accepted.   Personal hygiene items needed: toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, […]

The System Is A Lousy Parent

By Nicki Sanders | Nov 6, 2013 | Comments Off on The System Is A Lousy Parent

I had a long conversation with a colleague (with new found foster care knowledge) about why the foster care system fails so many youth. I explained that the foster care system is a lousy parent because a system is not a parent. Entry into the system is warranted by imminent danger, trauma or crisis. The […]

Together We Can Reverse The List

By Nicki Sanders | Nov 4, 2013 | Comments Off on Together We Can Reverse The List

The Washington, DC metropolitan area is home to 6 of the top 10 wealthiest counties in the United States. Our area has one of the most educated workforces. We can also boast about our world class hospitals. Foster care intersects with poverty, education, employment, health and other social issues.   The Contradiction 1,300 estimated children […]

How Will You Commemorate National Adoption Month?

By Nicki Sanders | Nov 1, 2013 | Comments Off on How Will You Commemorate National Adoption Month?

Every November, a Presidential Proclamation launches activities and celebrations to help build awareness of adoption throughout the nation. National Adoption Month is an initiative of the Children’s Bureau supported through AdoptUSKids and Child Welfare Information Gateway, members of the Children’s Bureau Training and Technical Assistance Network. Thousands of community organizations arrange and host programs, events, […]

Reflections of a Foster Child

By Nicki Sanders | Oct 30, 2013 | Comments Off on Reflections of a Foster Child

Reflections of a Foster Child   When you see a child in care, when you see me… Answer this question, what do you see?   Do you see resiliency? Do you see what I plan to be?   I don’t think so, I think you see the system because to you, I have no face! […]

SPOTLIGHT On Jordan F.

By Nicki Sanders | Oct 28, 2013 | Comments Off on SPOTLIGHT On Jordan F.

Jordan F. is an 8th grade student in Georgia. He entered foster care at 7 years old and was shuffled around in several homes before arriving at his adoptive parents’ home when he was 10. Jordan spent six years of his young life in foster care before being adopted one year ago.   Jordan is […]

Are You Ready To Join Them?

By Nicki Sanders | Oct 25, 2013 | Comments Off on Are You Ready To Join Them?

In case this is your visit to our website, allow me to introduce myself.   My name is Nicki Sanders, Chief Visionary Officer of The Teen Toolbox. Our mission is to help teenagers make a smoother transition into adulthood. I’m a Mother, Youth Advocate, Life Skills Expert, Entrepreneur, and Trainer. I developed our Packaged For […]

12th Annual Jannie P. Hayes Adoption Awards Gala

By Nicki Sanders | Oct 23, 2013 | Comments Off on 12th Annual Jannie P. Hayes Adoption Awards Gala

Coalition of Adoption Programs 12th Annual Jannie P. Hayes Adoption Awards Gala “Celebration of Champions”   Saturday, November 2, 2013 Bay Ridge Christian Church 1071 Bay Ridge Road Annapolis, MD 7:30 PM Semi-formal attire Purchase tickets here   Previously called the Annual Academy Awards of Adoption, the event has been renamed after the founder, Mrs. […]