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Children’s Action Network (CAN) uses the power of the entertainment community to increase awareness about children’s issues and make them a top priority in everyday life. CAN is currently dedicated to raising awareness about and finding homes for the more than 100,000 children in foster care in the United States who are waiting for an adoptive family and improving outcomes for the more than 400,000 children in foster care.FosterMore is an unparalleled coalition of media and entertainment companies, foundations, non-profits, businesses and philanthropic organizations working to create greater understanding, empathy, and action to improve the future of youth in foster care.Story Key Notes:🖐️What are the missions of Children’s Action Network and FosterMore?🖐️Why changing perceptions of foster youth is so important🖐️How and why you can become involved in the lives of foster youthYou can find out more about jennifer by visiting:IG @childrensactionnetwork@foster_moreTwitter@childrensaction@fostermoreFacebookChildren's Action NetworkFosterMoreChildren's Action Network/FosterMore Websitewww.childrensactionnetwork.orghttps://fostermore.orgLearn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Jess is the Director of Crisis Services at the National Runaway Safeline. In this role, she oversees the day-to-day operations of the Crisis Services Center and its associated data collection and reporting systems. She supervises all members of the crisis services team to ensure consistent and effective delivery of services offered to youth who have run away, are experiencing homelessness, and/or are in crisis, and their families. Each year, the National Runaway Safeline makes more than 125,000 connections to help and hope through hotline, online and offline services. Prior to joining the National Runaway Safeline, Jess served as the District Homeless Liaison for the Anoka-Hennepin School District.November was National Runaway Prevention Month, a public awareness campaign designed to shine a light on the experiences of runaway and homeless youth that too often remain invisible. It is also an opportunity to spotlight the resources available to support youth in crisis throughout the nation. As part of the campaign, individuals, organizations and the National Runaway Safeline host educational and awareness-building events, such as the NRPM Lunch & Learn Series, throughout the month. For more information and to join the effort, visit 1800RUNAWAY.org.Key Notes:🖐️How extensive is the runaway and homeless youth crisis in our country?🖐️What are some factors that put a young person at risk of experiencing homelessness?🖐️Do you feel there may be specific reasons youth in the foster care system would reach out to the National Runaway Safeline for support?🖐️What are some of the top issues driving youth to contact your Crisis Services Center?🖐️How can we help prevent youth from running away from home or becoming homeless (living on the streets, staying in shelters, couch surfing, sleeping in cars, etc.)?You can find out more about Jessica by visiting:Facebook: @1800RUNAWAYTwitter: 1800RUNAWAYInstagram: @1800RUNAWAYWebsite: 1800RUNAWAY.orgLearn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Johnny Agar, born with cerebral palsy and told he would never walk, overcame the odds to participate in long-distance endurance races with his dad pushing him, until the final mile when he walks across the finish line. Previously featured on ESPN and The Today Show, Johnny is making his highly-anticipated book debut this fall that is a testament to the power of extraordinary courage titled The Impossible Mile: The Power In Living Life One Step at a Time (Dexterity, September 21, 2021).Johnny’s story shows the impact of a life lived to its fullest, from the first difficult steps in training, to becoming a brand ambassador for global apparel company Under Armour. He now serves as an inspiration for not only other professional athletes, but for anyone facing their own impossible mile. This brilliant book debut encourages readers to walk a mile in Johnny’s shoes, and realize, as Johnny did, you never walk alone, and anything is possible, if you’ll just take on life one step at a time. Written with his mom, Becki, The Impossible Mile shares valuable life lessons, sometimes with a bit of humor, that are sure to inspire with the wisdom, maturity, and determination of Johnny, who candidly shares stories of his family’s strength in weakness, hope in the midst of heartache, and joy in spite of seemingly impossible obstacles.Key Takeaways:🖐️How a young man with cerebral Palsy became an internationally recognized athlete.🖐️How the Agar family banded together to help Johnny walk his first “Impossible Mile.”🖐️What Johnny hopes readers take away from his new book The Impossible Mile. You can find out more about Johnny & Becki by visiting:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnnyAgarOfficialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialjohnny_agar/Twitter: https://twitter.com/_TeamAgar / https://twitter.com/agar_johnWebsites: https://www.teamagar.com/ / http://johnnyagar.org/Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On this special episode of Fostering Change, we welcome Dr. Gail Saltz., M.D.  Rob Scheer, host of Fostering Change and founder of Comfort Cases, interviews Dr. Saltz about a very personal topic: R.A.D.  Reactive Attachment Disorder. Why is this personal?  One of Rob’s sons has been diagnosed with R.A.D. and he and his husband Reece have to deal with all of the issues regarding RAD on a daily basis.Rob and Dr. Saltz further delve into other mental health issues and treatments for them, as well as other fascinating issues about the brain.Dr. Saltz is a Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry with The New York Presbyterian Hospital and psychoanalyst at The New York Psychoanalytic Institute, best known for her work as a relationship, family, emotional wellbeing, and mental health/wellness contributor in the media where she frequently shares her expertise and commentary on the mental health aspects of current issues and news. Dr. Saltz is the author of numerous books and makes regular appearances on national media, including The Today Show, Oprah, Good Morning America, CNN, 20/20 and more.Key Takeaways:🖐️What is R.A.D.  Reactive Attachment Disorder🖐️Fascinating issues about the brain🖐️Mental health issues and treatments for themYou can find out more about Dr. Gail by visiting:Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GailSaltzTwitter https://twitter.com/DrGailSaltzAuthor Website https://drgailsaltz.comYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/user/GailSaltzMDLearn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Fostering Change Episode 107 |  Misty ParksAfter Misty completed her Bachelor Degree from Manchester University, she found her calling working in Child Welfare. This prompted her to complete her Masters in Social work from Indiana University. In the past 20 years, she has fed her passion to assist those in need and her desire for knowledge in a variety of settings, primarily focusing upon the social constructs and needs of those connected to the child welfare system. In her roles working with families and children, she witnessed the terrible effects of untreated trauma on the children she served, and the lasting effects it has when working with their parents. Her drive to find better information and skills to assist these families led her to complete a specialized Certification in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral therapy.  Misty is a native Hoosier, growing up in Muncie with her parents, and siblings. Her close knit family is committed to helping others, as her husband Mike is also a social worker, doing strong community work throughout the Indianapolis area. Their commitment to caring for the community and for those who needed an opportunity to grow and thrive was rewarded in 2015, as they adopted their daughter Reagan, who just celebrated her 7th birthday. When Misty is not using her voice and experiences advocating for youth and families, she is spending her time with her family and friends, traveling, baking, and reading. She is also an avid collector of yard gnomes, and each member of her family is an ardent board game player, so watch out if they ask you to play Monopoly. Key Topics:🖐️The need within our communities🖐️How Anthem, as an organization, is addressing this in our communities (including hiring Misty) 🖐️The importance of AnthemYou can find out more about Misty by visiting:Facebook: @AnthemMedicaidTwitter: @AnthemBCBS_NewsLinkedIn:  @Anthem#AnthemCaresLearn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A Regional Manager at a Social Mobility Charity, Ambassador for Comfort Cases UK, Panel Advisor, Coach & Mentor with lived experience of going through the foster care system. Rosie has experience in both the private and non-profit sectors, and she is an advocate for positive change in society. She has a bachelor's degree in Law, a Postgraduate Certificate in International Business Law. She has recently completed a Level 5 Coaching Qualification to help individuals and businesses to achieve their goals.🖐️My journey into & through foster care/ overcoming perceived barriers/ importance of 🖐️Education Why I’m involved/ an ambassador for comfort cases/ our mission/ what we’ve achieved so far🖐️How other people can get involved and support our missionYou can find out more about Laura by visiting: Facebook Rosie WainwrightInstagram @queenrozzaOther Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosiewainwright1/Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Although a product of the New Jersey foster care system, Laura Singer is a proud graduate from Syracuse University, Johns Hopkins University and most recently, Georgetown University Law Center. With a passion for advocating for children and foster care reform, Laura plans to dedicate her legal career to making substantial changes to the foster care system. Before law school, she served as a teacher in Washington, DC, as a Teach for America Corps Member. She now works as a law clerk in a family law court in Morris County, New Jersey. She hopes to one day open her own school for children in the foster care system. She is a pageant competitor and uses her platform "Get Out, Go Serve" to mentor at-risk youth. In her spare time, she enjoys running half marathons, travelling and watching all sports (especially fantasy football)! Story Key Notes:🖐️My experience in foster care led me to law school 🖐️The foster care to prison pipeline🖐️The role community service/volunteering plays in empowering foster youth.You can find out more about Laura by visiting:@getoutnservehttps://www.instagram.com/getoutnserve/ Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pam and her husband have been married 33 years, raised 5 biological children (the youngest is 20). 8 years ago they became foster parents and began caring for children in their home. Pam led down a road of foster care and as a surprise to their life plan, 2 years ago, adoption of a set of seven siblings from the foster care system. They have a second chance at parenting, and they have a second chance at a family after their first parents passed away in a car accident. Story Key Notes:🖐️Adopting 7 Sets of Children Siblings 🖐️History of the 7 Children🖐️Adjusting into a New Home🖐️5 Biological Children's Reaction to Adopt New Siblings🖐️Process to Adopt 7 Set of Children SiblingsLearn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Amanda is a mother of four with two biological and two adopted children (from India). She advocates for adoptees as their voice is often unheard. She wrote and illustrated Finding Family in a Far-Away Land with her daughters' permission to share their story and memories in hopes of empowering other children and educating families. Story Notes:🖐️Finding Family "Far Away Land" Book🖐️Adopting Internationally 🖐️The Struggle to Adopt Children Through India🖐️Empathy is Not Something we are Born with🖐️Reason For Writing the Book You can find out more about Amanda by visiting:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amanda.vandenbarkwallInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandawalldenver/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-wall-0280062/Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Rob Scheer interviews multi-award-winning author Jodi Meltzer who has written extensively about grief, parenting and divorce for various publications, including HuffPost, The Mighty, Scary Mommy, and Thrive Global.  She has just published the book, Goodnight Star, Whoever You Are.  A Boston native, she recently relocated to Tampa in search of more sunshine, literally and figuratively. To learn more about Jodi and her books, including the previously published, When You Lived in My Belly, please visit jodimeltzer.com. Today’s episode of Fostering Change is timely, as November 18th, 2021 is Children’s Grief Awareness Day.  Rob and Jodi discuss this difficult topic and how to best share feelings of grief with and from your children.Story Key Notes:🖐️Children’s Grief Awareness Day- How Jodi and her Kids have Dealt with Grief🖐️Why do we Struggle to Talk about Grief as a Society?🖐️How Covid 19 has Amplified the Need for this🖐️Death is Part of Living🖐️Goodnight Star Book You can find out more about Jodi by visiting:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jodimeltzerauthorTwitter: https://twitter.com/jodimeltzerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jodimeltzer/Author Website: http://jodimeltzer.com/ Learn more about Comfort Cases at: https: //www.comfortcases.org/. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Charell Star is a Media Manager in the FinTech field, Online journalist, and Foster Care Advocate. Charell was recently featured on @HumansofNY where she shared her inspirational story to millions.As a storyteller, Charell Star has a passion for creating experiences that connect brands to people in a way that celebrates, inspires, entertains and empowers. She loves working across all mediums to tell a story and reach audiences, and believes the most powerful messages are delivered through authenticity, personal connection, and conversation. Charell is also a former foster care youth and now advocates as an appointed Board Member of CASA NYC and City Living NY.You can find out more about Charell by visiting: www.charellstar.comInstagram: @charellstar https://www.casa-nyc.org/Show Notes:🖐️Tell Your Story🖐️Kinship🖐️Parents Trying to be Adult🖐️Moving Home to Home🖐️To Forgive🖐️COVID in New York🖐️Advice to Kids in Foster CareLearn more at : https://www.comfortcases.org/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Joanna Johnson the co-creator, executive producer and showrunner of Freeform’s critically acclaimed series “Good Trouble.” She is also the creator, executive producer and director of Freeform’s limited series “Love in the Time of Corona,” the first scripted series shot entirely during the quarantine. Previously Johnson was an executive producer and showrunner on Freeform’s groundbreaking series “The Fosters,” which ran for five seasons.Joanna Johnson was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. She attended USC Film School and, after graduating, pursued an acting career. Most notably, she played twins Caroline and Karen Spencer on the CBS soap opera “The Bold & the Beautiful.”Johnson’s primary focus is on writing, producing and directing. She wrote the independent feature “The Shrink Is In,” starring Courtney Cox and David Arquette, and went on to create and show run the sitcom “Hope & Faith” for ABC, which ran for three seasons. She was co-executive producer on ABC Family’s “Make It or Break It,” “Fairly Legal” for USA Cable, and the CW’s “Emily Owens, M.D.”Johnson currently resides in Los Angeles with her wife and children.Show notes:🖐️ The Fosters🖐️ Family Show🖐️ As a Family🖐️ Tell Your Story🖐️ Foster Care Process🖐️ Childhood Challenges🖐️ COVID19 EffectsLearn more at: http://www.comfortcases.org See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On this episode we revisit our chat with Robert Selby and Glen Henry! This is our last episode before season 3 and EPISODE 100!!! You have to tune in next week!Robert Selby is a full time father of a CHD warrior named Chace Elijah. Together they shine light on the medical needs community to help bring awareness with a positive spin to the CHD and Gtube community via social media in hopes to let people around the world know that they’re Never in a Fight Alone.Glen Henry is a father, husband, creator, musician, author, emcee, CEO, and mentor. He began on YouTube in 2015, documenting his journey as a stay at home father. Six years later, he has appeared in films alongside Will Smith, written children’s books, launched a multi-venture company, co-hosted a podcast with his wife of ten years, Yvette Henry, and added two more children for a total of four tiny humans who inspire him in all his endeavors. His company, Beleaf in Fatherhood, is centered around creating content to equip fathers, bring hope to mothers, and inspire children.We get into all the aspects of being a dad and catch up on their stories! Amazing Episode!To continue the story, follow Glen Henry on Social Media: Website : https://www.beleafinfatherhood.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeleafMel/ Twitter:Glen (@BeleafMel) | Twitterhttps://twitter.com › beleafmel Instagram: @beleafmel https://www.instagram.com/beleafmel/?hl=en YouTube: Beleaf In Fatherhood - YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com › channel TikTok: Beleaf N' Family (@beleafinfatherhood)HashTags:#FosteringChange See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On this episode in preparation for season 3 launch, we recap a chat we had with Caroline Boudreaux! Caroline Boudreaux is a social entrepreneur and founder of the Miracle Foundation, an INGO that supports orphans to have a better quality of life while bringing about sustainable change that reduces the need for orphanages. For the past 20 years, Miracle Foundation has improved the lives of more than 15,000 children and impacted almost 300 orphanages. Their proven Thrive Scale™ methodology is based on the UN Rights of the Child and leverages data and technology to ensure that orphaned and vulnerable children reach their full potential. Miracle Foundation is part of a global network of non-profit organizations leading the worldwide movement to end the need for orphanages by 2040. For her achievements Caroline was presented with the Hope Award in 2005, the Impact Award in 2008 and the United Nations Humanitarian Award in 2017. Caroline is a Young Global Leader with the World Economic Forum and has completed executive programs at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government, Yale's Jackson Institute for Diplomacy, Oxford University and the India School of Business. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On this season 2 recap we chat with Dr. Bruce Perry!Dr. Perry is the Principal of the Neurosequential Network, Senior Fellow of The ChildTrauma Academy and a Professor (Adjunct) in the Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University in Chicago and the School of Allied Health, College of Science, Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria Australia.  Over the last thirty years, Dr. Perry has been an active teacher, clinician and researcher in children’s mental health and the neurosciences holding a variety of academic positions. His work on the impact of abuse, neglect and trauma on the developing brain has impacted clinical practice, programs and policy across the world. Dr. Perry is the author, with Maia Szalavitz, of The Boy Who Was Raised As A Dog, a bestselling book based on his work with maltreated children and Born For Love: Why Empathy is Essential and Endangered. Dr. Perry's most recent book, What Happened to You? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing (2021), co-authored with Oprah Winfrey, is a #1 New York Times Bestseller.  Dr. Perry was on the faculty of the Departments of Pharmacology and Psychiatry at the University of Chicago School of Medicine from 1988 to 1991. From 1992 to 2001, Dr. Perry served as the Trammell Research Professor of Child Psychiatry at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. During this time, Dr. Perry also was Chief of Psychiatry for Texas Children's Hospital and Vice-Chairman for Research within the Department of Psychiatry. From 2001 to 2003, Dr. Perry served as the Medical Director for Provincial Programs in Children's Mental Health for the Alberta Mental Health Board. He continues to consult with the government of Alberta on children’s issues and serves as a founding member of the Premier’s Council of Alberta’s Promise.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We're recapping 4 episodes in preparation for both a launch of season 3 AND dour 100th episode! Here's one of our favorites from season 2 with Rita SoronenFor more than 30 years, Rita Soronen has worked on behalf of abused, neglected and vulnerable children, providing leadership for local, state and national efforts working to improve the juvenile justice and child welfare systems, while striving to assure safe and permanent homes for North America’s children.Leading the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, a national nonprofit public charity, since 2001 and the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption-Canada since 2004, Ms. Soronen works to find adoptive families for the more than 150,000 children waiting in North America’s foster care systems. Under her leadership, the Foundation has significantly increased its grant-making while developing strategic initiatives that act on the urgency of the issue. In 2020, the Foundation dedicated more than $32.6 million to grants and award-winning programs, such as Wendy’s Wonderful Kids, Adoption-Friendly Workplace and National Adoption Day. Additionally, through public service announcements, social media campaigns, articles, events, sponsorships and more, the Foundation is building awareness around the growing need for foster care adoption.In October 2011, independent research results were released from a five-year rigorous evaluation of the Foundation’s signature and groundbreaking program, Wendy’s Wonderful Kids. The research proved that children referred to the program are up to three times more likely to be adopted. Since 2005, the Wendy’s Wonderful Kids program has grown from seven pilot site grants to more than 475 sites across the U.S. and Canada. This program’s evidence-based model is dedicated to moving those children most at risk of aging out of foster care into permanent families. More than 10,000 children have been adopted as a direct result of Wendy’s Wonderful Kids. In 2017, with the support of the Blue Meridian Partners, the Foundation launched an aggressive, multi-year business plan to take Wendy’s Wonderful Kids to scale in all 50 states.Immediately prior to joining the Foundation, Ms. Soronen served as the executive director of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Franklin County. During that time, she also served as the president of the Board of Trustees of the Ohio CASA/GAL Association and led the passage of specialty license plate legislation benefiting CASA programs throughout Ohio, as well as the design and implementation of model program standards assuring consistent application of effective advocacy for children involved in court proceedings at the local and state levels.Ms. Soronen is a nationally recognized child welfare advocate. She has testified before the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee on the importance of foster care adoption. A requested national speaker on the topics of children, the child welfare system and social innovation, Ms. Soronen has been a featured presenter at events for the Adoption Exchange Association, Center for Adoption Support and Education, Children’s Home Society of America, National Association of County Commissioners, National CASA Association and National Council for Adoption, among others.Ms. Soronen is a founding board member and past vice president of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute and is a current member of the advisory board. She also serves as a member of Barco’s Nightingales Foundation’s advisory board and the National Court Appointed Special Advocate/Guardian ad Litem (CASA/GAL) Association for Children’s board of trustees. Ms. Soronen is a recipient of the Angels in Adoption Award from the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute, the National CASA Association Kappa Alpha Theta Program Director of the Year Award, the Ohio CASA/GAL Association Statewide Leadership Award and was a 2013 recipient of WSNY’s 20 Outstanding Women You Should Know. She is a fellow of the Jefferson Fellowship for Executive Leadership; was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Community Leadership from Franklin University in 2016; was named a YWCA Woman of Achievement in 2017; was named a National Number One by the Columbus Foundation in 2018; and was honored with Smart Business Network’s 2019 Smart 50 Program Award for Impact, Giving Back to the Community.A graduate of the University of Louisville, Ms. Soronen resides in Columbus, Ohio. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On this episode of Fostering Change we sit down with Sharane Calister!Sharane Calister is an American singer with soulful sounds and a songwriter. A 28 year old native of Des Moines, Iowa. Sharane used music as an outlet and began playing the violin in third grade. Her passion to sing continued throughout high school while singing in multiple choirs including Bridges to Harmony Gospel Choir who performed for President Barack Obama. Although her biological parents are in her life now, Calister was adopted at the age of 10 by a cousin, Robin Calister who spent many years as a childcare provider. Sharane also has a twin sister with whom she has reunited. Sharane is best known for her appearance and performance on The Voice Season 14 working with Alicia Keys and Adam Levine. She landed in the Top 11 with powerful performances singing songs like “Make it Rain,” “All I Can Do is Cry,” “In My Blood,” and “Never Enough.” As a rising star, her journey does not stop although her stint with The Voice ended prior to the finale. She continues to sing with The Feel Right Band and Pie in the Sky band while making additional solo appearances throughout the country. As a foster care alumni and adoptee, Sharane gives back to communities. She recently was invited to perform for CASA of Los Angles at the Beverly Hills Hotel and the Selfless Love Foundation in West Palm Beach, Florida to advocate for foster care and adopted youth. She is honored to be invited to The Purple Project Youth Conference for the third year in 2020. Calister inspires youth by sharing that life continues and their light will shine despite their current circumstances; life can go their way too. Summer of 2019, Sharane hosted her first mini summer camp for female foster care youth or in placement between the ages of 13-18. The camp is titled “Sharane Calister Summer Sessions.” One of Sharane’s future goals is to establish a foundation which will offer guidance, inspiration and education to foster care youth & young adults. Sharane Calister’s journey is showcased through her powerful voice, she is currently writing and recording new music. Sharane released her single “Love You” on her birthday, February 25, 2020. Her latest single “Party Like There’s No Tomorrow” is up temple and released New Year’s 2021. More music is in the making from Sharane.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On this episode of Fostering Change we sit down with Dr. Suzie Friedman!Suzie is a licensed psychologist in private practice in Washington DC. She works with adult and older teen clients on a variety of concerns from anxiety to eating disorders to trauma. She is especially passionate about the work of helping clients heal from complex trauma and attachment injury, and to support them as they forge a path of personal growth. In her work with clients Suzie uses a relational approach that includes talk therapy, psychoeducation, and body based approaches including EMDR. In addition to her private practice, Suzie is an Adjunct Professor in the University of Maryland’s Counseling Psychology program where she provides clinical supervision to doctoral students and sometimes teaches at the undergraduate level.Dr. Suzie Friedman's Website:suzannefriedmanphd.comSocial Media:instagram @drsuzie_facebook @SuzanneMillerFriedmanPhd See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On this episode of Fostering Change we sit down with Ángela Quijada-Banks!Ángela Quijada-Banks is a NAACP Image Award Nominated, American author of the best-selling book, The Black Foster Youth Handbook , Founder and C.E.O of Soulful Liberation ( a Book publishing company and podcast; where she aims to empower foster youth by day and break generational curses by night). She is the Founder and program director at Consciously Melanated Queens ( a community to support the holistic wellbeing of young women of color and providing guidance to uncover their divine purpose.) As a transformational speaker and artist, she has impacted thousands with her message to transmute your pain to purpose and power. As of 2021, Ángela is a scholar at Legacy Holistic Health Institute studying Holistic Health and plant medicine coaching. Through her everyday work with helping young people uncover their divine purpose, performing spoken word events, workshops, Board member at the FCN foundation and political advisory to legislators across the nation, she aims to aid in revolutionary change in holistic health, economic injustices, child-welfare disparities, cultural competency and identity within low-wealth communities of color both on a micro and macro level.In her most recent best-selling book, The Black Foster Youth Handbook she sheds light on a taboo topic through her own personal experience highlighting 50+ lessons she learned in order to support young people's journey and equip them with necessary tools to successfully age-out of foster care and holistically heal.Born in Anaheim, CA her reach has spanned across the nation and in several countries. Since the age of three years old, when she was first introduced to swing dancing she has always come back to it even in the most unstable of circumstances.To this day, Ángela is still open to learning new things that excites her including Kung Fu and drumming. Between her day to day adventures, Ángela enjoys traveling the world and adrenaline rushes at amusement parks with her husband, Michael. She is lovingly called a “graceful powerhouse” by all who know her, as she lives by the quote, “ If not me, then who? If not now, then when?”Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OriginalSoulFlowerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/originalsoulflower/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Mrs_AngelaBanksLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelaquijada-banks/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTa_p8Ez0Z1xbZ2wpd4sUCgPortfolio: www.originalsoulflower.comDivine Purpose coaching: www.consciouslymelanatedqueens.comBook: The Black Foster Youth Handbook , 50+ Lessons I learned to successfully age-out of foster care and holistically heal www.blackfostercareyouthhandbook.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On this week's episode of Fostering Change we have a great conversation with Kimberly Raff!Kimberly Raff experienced the foster care system after falling through the cracks and experiencing a very difficult childhood. At the age of 17, she emancipated from the system after graduating high school. Alone, scared, and not knowing what to do, she went back to live with her biological mother and step-father, even though drugs and alcohol were still a part of their lives. Shortly after moving to Colorado with them, they left her and moved out of state. Again, she was alone, without family and without a support system.It was while she was working one of her three jobs that one of her employers approached her about attending college. This changed the path that Kimberly could have gone down. The employer helped her apply, take the ACT, and enroll into Colorado Mesa University where Kimberly studied Computer Science, Accounting, and ultimately ended up getting her degree in Psychology Counseling after 12 years. During those 12 years Kimberly failed out of school, enlisted in the military, was medically discharged, and was again, left without any support. Through her struggles and triumphs she found who she was meant to become. Her career in child welfare brought memories back of her childhood, especially seeing older youth aging out of care with little to no supports of family or friends. In 2017, Kimberly founded Foster Alumni Mentors, a non-profit organization that provides support and guidance to those who experienced foster care, to build a community of support around them. http://www.kimberlyraff.com/https://fosteralumnimentors.org See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.