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They Found It Early

By Nicki Sanders | Sep 30, 2013 | Comments Off on They Found It Early

Last night I watched the finale on Rachel vs Guy Kids Cook Off on The Food Network. Eight young chefs competed for a title and their own webs series on FoodNetwork.com. Ten year old Brandon was the winner.  These kids really made some really complex dishes.Although I did not see the three prior episodes in […]

Shout Out To The Winners

By Nicki Sanders | Sep 27, 2013 | Comments Off on Shout Out To The Winners

I facilitated a team building session for at a staff retreat for an awesome organization on Wednesday – Challenger Independent Living Inc. I’m writing this blog to give a shout out to “The Winners”.  You’re wondering who “The Winners” aren’t you? I used various methods to divide staff into groups and various activities to allow […]

Put This In Your Foster Teen’s Toolbox

By Nicki Sanders | Sep 25, 2013 | Comments Off on Put This In Your Foster Teen’s Toolbox

Number in foster care on September 30 of the FY2012 – 399,546   Case Plan Goal Emancipation – 20,251 Long Term Foster Care – 20,095   Age as of September 30th 16 years  – 27,356 17 year – 29,306 18 years – 11,273   We are aware of all the negative statistics for youth aging out of foster care […]

SPOTLIGHT On Jahlika H.

By Nicki Sanders | Sep 23, 2013 | Comments Off on SPOTLIGHT On Jahlika H.

Jahlika is a 19 year old college student in New York determined never to let her past trauma or life circumstances define her. She has a strong work history and the goal of becoming a nurse.  Jahlika was recently awarded a hospital internship in conjunction with New Yorkers for Children.  Jahlika was selected for this […]

Memories and Love: Moving Forward

By Nicki Sanders | Sep 20, 2013 | Comments Off on Memories and Love: Moving Forward

I dedicate this post and my LOVE to my great grandparents and grandparents. #Blessed #Grateful #Loved #Supported #Inspired   Related Post: I’m Living A Legacy   Nicki Sanders, MSW, Chief Visionary Officer The Teen Toolbox utilizes youth portfolio development and civic engagement and academic empowerment strategies to help teens set goals for life after high […]

I’m Living A Legacy

By Nicki Sanders | Sep 18, 2013 | Comments Off on I’m Living A Legacy

I don’t generally write about the details of my personal life in this blog or on social media but I couldn’t shake the thoughts today. I’ve attended 4 funerals in 6 weeks. Five funerals in total this year. This is so foreign to me at this stage in my life. In the late 1980’s and […]

Small Changes Can Have Big Results

By Nicki Sanders | Sep 16, 2013 | Comments Off on Small Changes Can Have Big Results

1. Begin Each Day In A Positive Way – The way you start your day has a powerful impact on how you end your day. Set your intention on having a good day. Things won’t always go as planned but you can better manage the roller coasters of life when you begin on a solid […]

Hey Teens, You Can Nominate Yourself

By Nicki Sanders | Sep 13, 2013 | Comments Off on Hey Teens, You Can Nominate Yourself

Sometimes you have to toot your own horn! YOU can nominate yourself for SPOTLIGHT Teen of the Month. Our SPOTLIGHT Teen of the Month award recognizes a youth (14-21) in the foster care system that is leading a life of promise and making a positive impact in his or her community.   Here are 5 […]

Honor and Remembrance!

By Nicki Sanders | Sep 11, 2013 | Comments Off on Honor and Remembrance!

Today we remember and honor all who lost their lives on 9/11/2001!   “Time is passing. Yet, for the United States of America, there will be no forgetting September the 11th. We will remember every rescuer who died in honor. We will remember every family that lives in grief. We will remember the fire and […]