The Aging Out Podcast

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...

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...

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 ab...

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 inc...

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...

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 ch...

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 p...

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 s...

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 mento...

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 l...

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Lisa Peat, Founder and Executive Director of The Taylor House in Roseville, California. We discussed their safe transition home for young ladies aging out of foster care. Lisa discussed the five key pillars that provide the structure of their program: employment, education, transportation, health and wellness, and budgeting and banking. We also discussed the...

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Colby Swettberg, CEO of Silver Lining Mentoring in Boston, MA. We discussed their award winning mentoring program for youth aging out of care. Colby reviewed their mentoring program, including an overview of their mentor training program, the qualities of effective mentors, their life skills program, and the critical importance of connections for youth. Colb...

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Britt Wade, Workforce Development Coordinator with Family Harvest Farm in Martinez, CA. We discussed their urban farm, which is a program under the umbrella of the John Muir Land Trust. At their farm, they employ youth aging out of foster care and teach them about sustainable farming. In their program, they build supportive relationships and help the youth d...

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Lauren Vazquez, Supervisor of the Adolescents Achieving Independence (AAI) program at Valley Youth House in Bethlehem, PA. We discussed AAI and the strategies they use as they serve as "adulting coaches" for foster youth and former foster youth between the ages of 14 to 23 years old. They focus their support in the domains of education, employment, housing,...

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Amy Nims, Director of Foster Care, and Jennifer Schwitzgebel, Associate Director of Transition Age Youth Services, with The Buckeye Ranch in Whitehall, Ohio. We discussed two programs that support youth aging out of care: My Place transitional living and Bridges, a state partnership that provides funding for youth needs. We also discussed the need for the fo...

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Marcie Dearth, the Vice President of Residential Programs of IMPOWER in Longwood, Florida. We focused on their transitional housing program called The Village, which was developed as an extension of their mental health and child wellbeing core services. We also discussed opportunities for improvement of the foster care system, including more collaboration am...

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Leora Bain, the President and Founder of G.L.I.D.E. (Guiding Life to Independence through Development and Education) in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This program currently assists youth with acquiring their legal documents as they are aging out of foster care. We also discussed the combined employment and housing model that they are planning to implement in the f...

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Bria Zolman, the Guardian Scholars Program Coordinator at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. This program  - which won the AOI 2021 Flame Award for small organizations - supports former foster youth through their experience at Ball State University. We discussed the services and activities that youth can leverage to help them achieve their degree, as...

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 thei...

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....

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...

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...

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 whic...

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...

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.