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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 […]

What Is Your Teen Doing Tonight?

By Nicki Sanders | Oct 26, 2011 | Comments Off on What Is Your Teen Doing Tonight?

Life for most of us is jam packed with activities and events.  Youth and adults alike are spread thin as we work, attend school, shop, exercise, volunteer, and the list goes on and on.   In addition to eating together as a family, there is another way that families can have fun and bond TONIGHT!  Did […]

What’s In Your Teen’s Mind?

By Nicki Sanders | Oct 25, 2011 | Comments Off on What’s In Your Teen’s Mind?

If you are what you eat does that mean that your teen is what they hear on their iPod and watch on TV?  For the most part I believe they are. The media is a powerful influence in our lives and I believe in censorship for that exact reason.  Not extreme censorship but censorship nonetheless.  […]