Preparing Foster Youth for Adulting

Episode 071: Topic Discussion ”Helping Foster Youth Build Healthy Relationships”

In this episode, Lynn Tonini facilitates a conversation between the Executive Directors from three different organizations that serve youth aging out of foster care: Rachael Smith with Hope and Vine (Wake Forest, NC), Susan Punnett with Family & Youth Initiative (Washington, D.C.), and Ben McBride with I Pour Life (Springfield, MO). We discussed the barriers that need to be addressed to help build relationships between youth and supportive adults, the strategies that can be used to mitigate those barriers, and the training that their staff and volunteers go through to understand how to facilitate the relationships. 

Episode 070: Interview with Penny Ellison with Hand2Paw (Philadelphia, PA)

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Penny Ellison, Executive Director of Hand2Paw in Philadelphia, PA. Penny shared about the programs they offer for youth - age 16 to 24 - who are experiencing housing insecurity or are in or aging out of foster care. Their unique, strengths-based programs ("Unleashing Opportunities," "Pawspurr," and "WorkReady") provide opportunities for these youth to build life skills and character while working with and helping the animals of Philadelphia that also need support and love. 

Episode 069: Interview with Meredith Yuckman with The Hope Center at Pullen (Raleigh, NC)

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Meredith Yuckman, Executive Director of The Hope Center at Pullen in Raleigh, NC. Meredith shared about their life skills program for youth ages 13-18 and their transition program for youth ages 18-24. They also have a Youth Advisory Board made up of youth currently in (or graduated from) their transition program that provides feedback and recommendations about the services that they offer youth. For example, the Youth Advisory Board was the catalyst for the development of a new staff doula program to provide better support for young mothers during the childbirth process.

Episode 068: Interview with Justin Black with Redefining Normal (Kalamazoo, MI)

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Justin Black, Co-founder of Redefining Normal in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Justin shared a little about his journey with his wife, Alexis, in foster care and the lessons they learned aging out of care that have contributed to their success as authors, speakers, and workshop leaders throughout the country. Justin discussed some of the principles that they have included in their book and workshops, including (but not limited to) living intentionally, forgiveness, and resilience.  Finally, Lynn and Justin talked about the importance of encouraging foster youth to dream again. 

Episode 067: Interview with Carolyn Olsen from Fostering Youth Independence (Santa Clarita, CA)

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Carolyn Olsen, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Fostering Youth Independence in Santa Clarita, California. Carolyn shared how her organization supports youth aging out of care by connecting them with allies (mentors) whose primary focus is building a strong, supportive relationship with the youth. Carolyn also reviewed the variety of activities that they have built into their program to help the young people as they work toward their educational goals.  Finally, Lynn and Carolyn discussed the important role that nonprofits play in filling the gaps that aren't currently filled by the foster care system.

Episode 066: Interview about the 2023 LevelUp Virtual Conference for Youth

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Amanda Ricken Simonetta with The Felix Organization, Trinity Bailey with Music is Unity Foundation, and LaTasha Watts with The Purple Project to learn about the 2023 Level Up Conference for youth in foster care and those who have aged out (ages 14-24). This virtual conference is being held on February 9th from 3:00pm-5:00pm EST. We also talk about the key challenges that youth aging out of foster care face. Listen to find out more about these organizations, the conference itself, and how to register for this online learning experience. [NOTE: The conference dates mentioned in this podcast were changed. The conference is on 2/9/23 and the registration deadline is 2/3/23.]

Episode 065: Interview with Beth Reinwald from Flourish Homes (Tulsa, OK)

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Beth Reinwald, Founder and CEO of Flourish Homes in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Beth shared the challenges that Flourish Home faced getting started, how they launched their 1-2 year, faith-based transitional living program for young women facing homelessness, some of whom have aged out of foster care. Beth also reviewed their mentoring program and other supports they provide youth as they work toward educational and employment goals.  Finally, Lynn and Beth discussed the importance of consistency for young people while they are in foster care, both in regard to placements and education.

Episode 064: Interview with Joelle Pitts from The R.J. Leonard Foundation (Doylestown, PA)

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Joelle Pitts, Executive Director of The R.J. Leonard Foundation in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. Joelle shared about their organization's mentor program focused on helping youth aging out of foster care set and achieve educational and/or employment goals. Joelle explained how their priority is long-term supportive relationships. They also discuss the financial support the organization provides for academic scholarships, transportation, basic living expenses, and social and cultural enrichment activities. 

Episode 063: Interview with Stacy DeWitt from James Storehouse (Newbury Park, CA)

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Stacy DeWitt, Executive Director of James Storehouse in Newbury Park, California. Stacy shared about their warehouse that supplies people in need - referred by social workers - with emergency supplies, as well as their three boutiques with supplies specifically for babies, children, and teenagers. They also provide support services for youth, including mentoring, life skills classes, baby showers, a leadership academy, and a transitional housing program. Finally, Stacy reviewed six protective factors that would help prevent the need for foster care if they were bolstered and supported among families in need. 

 

 

Episode 062: Interview with Christina Dronen from Finally Family Homes (Valencia, CA)

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Christina Dronen, Executive Director of Finally Family Homes in Valencia, California. We discussed their newest initiative, which is a "build to own" program in which youth aging out of care help build and then own their own tiny home on wheels. Christina explained how this model will enable youth to acquire equity in their own home quickly, which they can leverage when they are ready to move into a larger house. We also discussed their existing programs, including life skills workshops, a host home program, and providing money and material needs to youth in the area who need assistance.