Foster Tales

Today, I am joined by Maegan, of CASA LA. CASA stands for "Court Appointed Special Advocate". This program is designed as mentorship for Foster Youth. This can range from new born babies, all the way until age 21. We discuss the importance of advocacy and how someone can get involved in their own community through CASA. An astounding 34,000+ youth are in the Foster Care in Los Angeles County, alon...

On today's episode, I am joined by Jennifer Miller. Jennifer and her husband, are raising a family of 5. Of her 5 children, 2 are part of a sibling group. We speak about the struggle of adopting versus fostering. Our conversation paints a clear picture of what it's like to raise a child in care, and how many different people are involved in the decision-making process of a single foster youth. 

Today, I am joined by Victor Manalo of Downey Cares Collaborative. We speak about the importance of mentorship in the Foster Care Community and the launch of Operation Jumpstart in Downey, CA. Victor goes into detail about the program, and we have a dialogue regarding making real lasting change in the community through small interactive changes. You can learn more about Victor's organization and b...

On today’s episode I am joined by Brittany, who grew up in South Florida’s Foster Care system. We discuss the amazing heroes, who created a community and united other foster youth in Broward County. We dive into what the process was like of aging out of care, and how long it has taken for us to feel safe in secure in our every day lives.

On today's episode, I am having a conversation with Kacie, who is a foster parent, living in Ohio. We talk about her journey as a member of the LGBTQI+ community and how she has now fostered 14 children in her home. We speak about the stigma of foster parenting and how she comforts children, once they are placed in her care. 

Today, I am joined by Grammy-Nominated Educator Steff Reed. We talk about how to mirror music, with activism. Steff provides tips on writing music with a message. He also shares how he is changing the lives of New York City you with “The Power of Love Project”. You can follow Steff at @IAmSteffReed and visit ThePowerofLoveProject.org for more information.

On this week’s episode, I’m having a conversation with my paternal cousin, Natasha. She and I reminisce on our earliest childhood moments. We also explore our family history with addiction and trauma.

On this week's episode, I'm sitting down with my Foster Brother, Paul, and discussing what it's like to live in a group home. We reminisce about our introduction and what our living arrangements really were like. We will also learn about how he entered the Foster Care System and what wisdom he can provide to a new generation of Foster Kids. You can follow him on instagram @P_Sneaks

Foster Tales is shining a light on those who have lived through, survived, and experienced the Foster Care, Adoption, and Child Welfare system first-hand. Hosted by Randal Wells. Randal interviews Program Director, Tanisha Merriweather of Turning Point, a non-profit community-based organization providing re-entry services to residents who were recently released from jail or prison reeneter society...