Preparing Foster Youth for Adulting

Episode 053: Interview with The Open Table (Phoenix, AZ)

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Jon Katov (CEO), Angie Williams (COO), and Rachelle Butler (Sr. Director of Community Initiatives) from The Open Table, an organization based in Phoenix, AZ, which won the 2021 Flame Award for small organizations. We discussed The Open Table model based on building relational permanency through a unique team support approach to help foster youth achieve their plan for transitioning to adulthood.

Episode 052: Interview with Andrea Ferrero about Pockets Change Hip Hop FinFest

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Andrea Ferrero, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Pockets Change, a nonprofit focused on building financial capability through Hip Hop pedagogy. Andrea shared information about a free event happening right now and into the summer (April through July) that includes online financial lessons, a song competition for young people, and a live streaming concert. (See podcast #4 for more details about Pockets Change.)

Episode 051: Interview with Anne Harrison, Executive Director of The Monkey & The Elephant (Philadelphia, PA)

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Anne Harrison, Executive Director of The Monkey & The Elephant, a nonprofit café based in Philadelphia, PA, which won the 2021 Flame Award (for small organizations) and we wanted to highlight their award winning model. Anne's organization runs a café that employs youth aging out of foster care. They also teach life skills and provide mentoring to help guide the youth toward their goals.

Episode 050: Interview with Don Wells from Just in Time for Foster Youth (San Diego, CA)

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Don Wells, Chief Empowerment Officer of Just in Time for Foster Youth based in San Diego, California. JIT won the 2021 Fire Award (for mid-size organizations) and the 2021 Phoenix Award (for youth impact) and we wanted to highlight their award winning framework and services. Don explains JIT's foundational philosophies, their services, and what they measure and track (including the one service that alumni of their program have said was the most critical service they received).

Episode 049: Interview with Sue Evans from Walden Family Services (San Diego, CA)

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Sue Evans, Chief Operating Officer of Walden Family Services based in San Diego, California. Walden Family Services won the 2021 Blaze Award for large organizations or programs that work with youth aging out of foster care and we wanted to highlight their award winning transitional housing program. Sue explains the details about their housing program in which they partner with community landlords and property management companies to provide housing and supportive case management for about 300 youth in the San Diego area. 

Episode 048: Interview with Megan Preller from Ready for Life (Redding, CA)

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Megan Preller, Program Coordinator of the Host Homes Program with Ready for Life based in Redding, California. Megan shares the origin of her agency, which was started by her parents. Megan also describes their host homes program, in which people in the community provide temporary housing for homeless young people, including youth who have aged out of foster care. 

Episode 047: Interview with Adam Pavao with Impact Living Services (Forest, VA)

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Adam Pavao, Executive Director of Impact Living Services based in Forest, Virginia. Adam explains the three primary programs of his organization: independent living, treatment foster care, and counseling for youth and communities. Adam also shares some details about his own background working in child welfare and as a foster parent. 

Episode 046: The Level Up Virtual Conference for Youth In and Aged Out of Foster Care

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 upcoming Level Up Conference for youth in foster care and those who have aged out (ages 14-24). This virtual conference is being held on December 11th starting at 11:00am EST. Listen to find out more about these organizations, the conference itself, and how to register for this beneficial event. 

Episode 045: Interview with Cheryl Williams with Fundamentals for Foster Care (Austin, TX)

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Cheryl Williams, Founder and President of Fundamentals for Foster Youth based in Austin, Texas. Cheryl shares her own experience as a youth in foster care, the focus of her organization's mission to send STEM (and art, making it STEAM) toys to youth in foster care and to build in a scholarship program in the future, and much more.

Episode 044: Interview with Jamerika Haynes-Lewis with Clever Jam Communications (WA)

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Jamerika Haynes-Lewis, Founder of Clever Jam Communications based in Seattle, Washington. Jamerika shares her own experience growing up in foster care, how she leveraged her success in pageants as a platform to help youth in foster care, what she offers as a workshop facilitator with youth, and more.