Our Blog

You deserve to do work that feeds your heart, mind, and wallet.

Someone Like Me

By Nicki Sanders | Jan 10, 2012 | Comments Off on Someone Like Me

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 […]

Passion, Compassion, and Integrity

By Nicki Sanders | Jan 5, 2012 | Comments Off on Passion, Compassion, and Integrity

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 […]

Why Foster Care and Why Now?

By Nicki Sanders | Jan 3, 2012 | Comments Off on Why Foster Care and Why Now?

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 […]

Our Best Year Ever: Pack A Purse™ 2011

By Nicki Sanders | Dec 28, 2011 | Comments Off on Our Best Year Ever: Pack A Purse™ 2011

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 […]

Should She Wear Her School Uniform?

By Nicki Sanders | Dec 12, 2011 | Comments Off on Should She Wear Her School Uniform?

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 […]

Is There A Difference Between A Job And A Career?

By Nicki Sanders | Nov 14, 2011 | Comments Off on Is There A Difference Between A Job And A Career?

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 […]

We All Can Serve! How Will You Commemorate 11-11-11?

By Nicki Sanders | Nov 7, 2011 | Comments Off on We All Can Serve! How Will You Commemorate 11-11-11?

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 […]

Creating A Portfolio Build’s Winner Habits

By Nicki Sanders | Nov 2, 2011 | Comments Off on Creating A Portfolio Build’s Winner Habits

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 […]

Is Your Teen Wearing A Mask?

By Nicki Sanders | Oct 31, 2011 | Comments Off on Is Your Teen Wearing A Mask?

Pumpkins, vampires, even President Obama. Teens and adults across the country will be dressed in Halloween costumes today.  We have been bombarded with commercials by retailers who hope to cash in on the phenomenon.  Many people plan their costumes weeks and even months ahead of the big dress-up day.  Halloween costumes allow teens to pretend […]