Valentine’s Day is usually a holiday that you love or hate. Remember kindergarten when everyone in class received Valentine’s Day cards and gifts? I received Valentine’s Day gifts from my mother into young adulthood. I have done the same for my daughter (her Valentine’s Day packaged arrived at her dorm last week). For me
Give To Youth In Foster Care This Valentine’s Day Read More »
Resilient – rebounding; recovering readily from adversity; returning to its original form after being stretched or bent Do you recall your teen years with favor and joy? For many of us adolescence was a challenging time. Acne, raging hormones, peer pressure, and uncertainty plagued many of us. Although we may have had the body
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I have always been told that there is safety in numbers. Whether taking a late night bus ride, going to a night club or simply taking a tour of a new city the mantra is still the same – it’s safer to be a part of a group. Does this still ring true when we
Is There Safety In These Numbers? Read More »
What does “A Teen’s Life Is Worth Documenting” mean to you? For a child in the foster care system it probably means those words that are written about them in their personal file. You know the file that precedes them at every meeting, placement, and court hearing. The file that attempts to explain the
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In our work world, evidence-based practice and evidence-based research are King. Objectives, outcomes, and goals are commonplace. In my supervisory role I stress that we have to have proof that we are doing really works. I am a huge proponent of civic engagement and so as I was thinking about the upcoming Dr. Martin Luther
How Will Your Youth Serve? Read More »
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
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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
Our Best Year Ever: Pack A Purse™ 2011 Read More »
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
Should She Wear Her School Uniform? Read More »
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
We All Can Serve! How Will You Commemorate 11-11-11? Read More »
Experience is a great teacher. On the job training is a bonus and not a rule in many places of employment and that is the main reason that I highly recommend that all high school and college students complete an internship. Many students who are seeking employment aren’t hired because they lack experience. They are
Why Do You Recommend Internships? Read More »