My last blog post focused on ways you can get involved to help teens in foster care thrive. One thing that keeps me motivated and uplifted is music. Today I want to introduce you to the song (and video) “If I Were Brave” by Jana Stanfield. I heard this song for the first time just […]
Teens In Foster Are Brave Read More »
Survive = to continue to exist or live after Profanity, nonchalant attitudes, defiant behavior, substance abuse, unprotected sex, sexting, lack of motivation, seclusion, running away, and a dozen other actions by teenagers can be symptoms of serious health and mental health conditions. These behaviors should not be ignored but they may also be coping mechanisms
To Be Loved, Appreciated, and Supported Read More »
I didn’t watch any of the Super Bowl this past Sunday! No, I didn’t even tune in for the high priced commercials or to see Beyoncé, Alicia Keys, or Jennifer Hudson. I don’t live under a rock; I’m just not a football fan. I am a fan (advocate) of youth in foster care, however. I
Foster Care, Family, and Football Read More »
President Barack Obama is sounding the alarm for education reform and the necessity for an increase in college educated citizens to continue to complete on a global scale. Have you heard the urgent appeals for more students majoring in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)? Pearson education firm ranks The United States
Common Core Standards and Youth in Foster Care Read More »
I love my iPhone. I can listen to music, send emails, record my grocery list, post to social media, take photos and A LOT more on a device that fits in my back pocket. In this technology obsessed culture I know that I’m not the only one that often wonders how I got
There Are Many Ways To Be A Mentor Read More »
December 2012 was a month of pride and enlightenment at The Teen Toolbox. We hosted our 6th Annual PACK A PURSE™ Drive and collected and distributed 705 purses and other bags filled with personal hygiene items to teen girls in foster care in 17 organizations. We were also greatly inspired by the seven women
Thank You For Sharing Your Foster Care Journey Read More »
Latrice Ware was born and raised in Ohio. She was in kinship care until age 12 and then went into the foster care system at age 13 after her grandmother had a stroke. Latrice was placed in three foster homes. Latrice questioned how a stranger could love a child that wasn’t theirs. Her foster mother’s
Latrice Ware, Mentor, Advocate, Foster Care Alumni Read More »
Helen Hall Ramaglia is an author, Foster/Adoptive Mother, Speaker and Advocate for kids in foster care. She is Founder and Executive Director of Fostering SuperStars, a nonprofit organization designed to enrich the lives of children placed in foster care by serving as a primary connector to organizations, partnerships and providers to meet many of their needs
Helen Hall Ramaglia, Author, Foster/Adopt Mother, Foster Care Alumni Read More »
MERRY CHRISTMAS!! THANK YOU!! A grand total of 705 purses (tote bags, duffle bags, and other gift bags) were collected and distributed to 17 organizations for JaMai and The Teen Toolbox’s 6th Annual Pack A Purse Drive. Recipients: The Children’s Home in Catonsville Sarah’s House RICA, Baltimore Anne Arundel County Partnership for Youth and
Pack A Purse Drive 2012 Gratitude Read More »
Shalita O’Neale is a former foster youth from Baltimore, Maryland and Founder & Executive Director of Maryland Foster Youth Resource Center. She entered kinship care at 2 years old and entered foster care officially at the age of 13. After several placements Shalita later ended up in a group home before going away to college. She
Shalita O’Neale, Trail Blazer, Advocate, and Foster Care Alumni Read More »