Organizational Development

A few years ago I was delivering a workshop to a large group of young ladies in high school.  The topic was “Empowering Ladies In the 21st Century”.  I asked the group who some of their female role models were and a very spirited young lady answered Keyshia Cole.  At that time, Keyshia Cole‘s reality TV […]

The predicted outcomes of youth who age out of foster care are grim – homelessness, unemployment, incarceration, unintended pregnancy, and low educational attainment.  The high incidences of these social ills within this population are most often associated with a lack of stability and healthy, permanent relationships or not acquiring essential life skills before being thrown

An estimated 20,000-25,000 young people age out of the foster care system each year, many without family or economic support.  Research shows that the transition to adulthood is difficult for many former foster youth.  When they age out of the foster care system, they’re more likely than their peers to end up in homeless, in jail,

I’m on a quest to eliminate my weekends from my extended work week and make them real weekends filled with relaxation and enjoyment.  In my efforts to rejuvenate, I spent time watching my new favorite TV channel – GMC.   This weekend was the premiere of the GMC original movie “Somebody’s Child”.  This was a touching

SPOTLIGHT Teen of the Month NOMINATE A TEEN – RELAUNCH October 25, 2012   The Teen Toolbox showcases the talent and determination in young people and proves that when given support and opportunity, youth can change the world.  Our “SPOTLIGHT Teen of the Month” award recognizes a youth (14-21) in the foster care system that, despite

Do you still have Olympic fever?  Congratulations to all our amazing Olympic Games 2012 athletes.  Let me share a few records with you: Swimmer Michael Phelps is now the most decorated Olympian of all time. Gymnast Gabrielle Douglas is the first African-American all-around Olympic champion and the first U.S. gymnast to win both that title

If you’ve read my blogs for more than a couple of weeks you know that I am a huge proponent of volunteerism.  I believe that each of us has a responsibility to help our fellow man.  I am so excited when service meets philanthropy and ABC’s Secret Millionaire TV show marries the two wonderfully.  Secret Millionaire

It’s officially “back to school” time.  The rush is on – new school supplies, dorm needs, uniforms and fashionable fall clothing.  Is this what the start of a new school year has been reduced to?  Education is so much more!   Education is a key factor in the attainment of economic stability and self-sufficiency.  Educational

I’m just as connected to my elementary school as I am to my senior high school.  I met two of my dearest friends there.  We are watching each other’s children grow up.  Through the wonders of social media I have reconnected with my Kindergarten and Pre-Kindergarten teachers.  (Yes, they still remembered me all these years

Separation of siblings in foster care happens all too often.  Two made for TV movies shed light on this common practice that often adds additional trauma at a time when young people need the love and familiarity of family the most.   This weekend I watched the GMC movie Raising Izzie.  I love GMC so