Fostering Change

Today on Fostering Change, Rob Scheer speaks with Monica Pantoja, the dynamic Executive Director of the nsoro Educational Foundation.

Founded in 2005, The nsoro Educational Foundation believes not one young person aging out of our nation's foster care system should have to navigate the world alone. Our mission provides the access to and attainment of post-secondary education through a holistic scholarship that shepherds our youth to and through college, optimally positioning our graduates for an equitable transition into adulthood. Nsoro’s Scholarship Program “Fostering Futures” provides a certified executive coach and a mentor with evidence curriculum, anchored in four tenets: post-secondary credentials: emotional literacy, financial fluency, and workforce readiness. From essential gap funding for tuition, books, academic fees, to ensuring our scholar's housing stability and food security, nsoro’s Scholarship serves as a bridge from college to career.

Rob and Monica have an important discussion about our youth who've spent time in the foster care system and the barriers they face to achieving self-sufficiency and economic mobility, far greater than than first gen peers.

The Results: nsoro scholars:

435 college graduate to date

81% college graduation rate

70% are pursuing an advanced degree

98% have not been incarcerated

96% have not abused drugs or alcohol

78% have not been homeless

85% have developed and maintained a budget

To learn more about nsoro Foundation, please visit:

Website: nsoro Foundation: https://nsoro.foundation/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nsorofoundation

Instagram: @nsorofoundation 

Twitter: @nsoroFoundation 

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-nsoro-foundation-3825a9248/

To learn more about Rob Scheer and Comfort Cases, please visit: https://comfortcases.org/

If you have questions or comments about today’s episode, the foster care system, or how you might volunteer or donate to help youth in foster care, please write to us here: [email protected]

You can find previous episodes of Fostering Change at https://comfortcases.org/podcasts/

🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!

Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:

👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases

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In today’s episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer speaks with a true “angel”: Susan Ramirez, the founder of National Angels, a non-profit organization whose mission is “to walk alongside children, youth, and families in the foster care community by offering consistent support through intentional giving, relationship building, and mentorship.”

Now in 21 cities in 16 states, National Angels goal is to keep youth in foster care in one home before they are returned to their biological family or become a permanent part of that home by adoption.

As Susan notes in the interview: “Every child should have at least one healthy adult who knows the color of their eyes and the passions of their heart.” Because close to 50% of foster parents close their home in one year, on average children in foster care move 7 times every 2 years. Think about that. How does that set these youth up for success?

Susan and Rob discuss how foster care affects ALL of us as a society, and it is up to us ALL to do what we can to equip all youth to succeed. Otherwise, it can lead down the wrong path - as many of you know, 80% of all death row inmates were once in foster care. Close to 25% of those who have been part of “human trafficking” have been in foster care. Without support, those numbers will only grow.

National Angels will host a “Give-a-Thon” from November 21-28. All of us at Comfort Cases encourage you to consider making a donation to increase their national awareness and support. More information about this important event can be found HERE.

Follow National Angels:

Website: https://www.nationalangels.org/

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/nationalangels?fbcl...

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nationalange...

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalang...

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Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:

👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases

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This true story will inspire you like none you may have ever heard. Rob Scheer interviews Katrina Mullen. You may have seen Katrina on The Today Show, or in People Magazine. This unassuming NICU (NeoNatal Intensive Care Unit) Nurse has received universal praise for how she stepped up where others would not.

As a neonatal nurse in a small Indiana hospital, she saw Shariya, a young mother sitting cribside of her 3 young babies she had just given birth to. This new mom, only 14 years old, was often alone, looking lost… and alone. Katrina would visit with Shariya, and try to give her advice and tips on how to care for her babies. Again, Shariya was just 14, in 8th grade, and the mother of triplets - and was virtually alone.

When Shariya was discharged from the hospital, Katrina gave her her phone number and told her to call whenever she wanted. Shariya took her up on this and Katrina often went to visit Shariya and her babies.

Soon, there was a health issue with one of her babies, and then DSS came and took her two others into care. Shariya asked if she could stay with Katrina. Katrina had 3 young children of her own, plus two adult children, but she immediately said yes, and engaged in all the classes necessary to become a foster parent.

So much more to tell about this amazing human being - and how she soon ended up adopting Shariya, and became the grandmother of three beautiful triplets. We know you will love this episode as much as we do.

To learn more about Katrina, Shariya and the family, you can visit her on social media:

Facebook: Katrina Mullen or Mullen.kat

Instagram: @kat_mullen23

TikTok: @kmullen23

Twitter/ X: @Katrinamullen23

To learn more about Rob Scheer and Comfort Cases, please visit: https://comfortcases.org/

If you have questions or comments about today’s episode, the foster care system, or how you might volunteer or donate to help youth in foster care, please write to us here: [email protected]

You can find previous episodes of Fostering Change at https://comfortcases.org/podcasts/

🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!

Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:

👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today’s episode of Fostering Change, Rob speaks with Laura Foster Parent Partner, whose mission is to educate and support people about the foster care system. Often, new foster parents are not prepared for everything they need to know before their first children come to them.

Laura discusses how the “cracks of child welfare are deep”, from misplaced birth certificates to wrong names of the child, and without knowing the right types of questions to ask, you run the risk of not knowing these things and have to play catch up - which is not the situation a new foster parent - or their child - wants to be in!

In this insightful conversation, you will here:

What sweeping changes need to be made in the foster care system

What should be considered when setting up your home for a foster child

How every state has different rules and regulations and how that affects parents and youth

How we should be moving from “mandated reporting” to “mandated supporting”

You can learn more about Laura by visiting her here:

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/foster.parenting

Website: https://www.fosterparentpartner.com/

Instagram: @foster.parenting

TikTok: @fosterparenting

YouTube: @foster.parenting

Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/influence...

🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!

Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:

👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases

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On today’s episode of Fostering Change, Rob interviews Dr. Kristin Hoffman, Ph.D., Chief Program Officer and Child Psychologist and Chelsea Henandez, LCSW, Clinical Director of the All Star Children’s Foundation.

The All Star Children’s Foundation, based in Sarasota, Florida uses a trauma-focused approach  through innovation, science and compassion.  They have an onsite campus, home to youth in foster care and their caregivers where they offer a number of evidence-based trainings to the community while emphasizing an understanding of trauma through a “trauma informed lens”.

With so many youth in foster care facing trauma, they don’t often get to someone who can help until it is much too late.  This is where All Star Children’s Foundation comes in and help the child make a shift away from trauma.

Rob shares with Kristin and Chelsea that “the moment a child enters the system, they should receive some form of therapy.” They discuss the disservice done to children with so many group homes are shut down and how their campus was developed to create a “lasting change” to work with them the moment they enter care to make the feel loved and capable.”

The All Star Children’s Foundation is also planning their first “State of the Mind Conference” on September 21 to help the community understand trauma and how it affects everyone around.  There will be many speakers on hand, including Rob!  For more information about the conference, please visit: https://www.stateofmind.org/

We know you’ll find today’s discussion full of useful and insightful information.  Please leave us a comment, and share with your friends and colleagues.

For more information about the All Star Children’s Foundation, please visit:

Website: www.allstarchildren.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AllStarChildren/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allstarchildren/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/allstarchildren

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/71017516/admin/feed/posts/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMlUB5hOEElGeFBq8VbSL0g/featured

For more information about Comfort Cases, please visit: https://comfortcases.org/

Comments? Questions? Guest Suggestions? Please send them to: [email protected]

🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!

Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:

👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases

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Welcome to Season 5 of Fostering Change! For those of you who are new to us: “Welcome!” And for our returning friends, “Welcome Back!”

Fostering Change is hosted by Rob Scheer, the founder of Comfort Cases, a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote hope and dignity to youth in foster care.

We will post new episodes of Fostering Change every Tuesday on all of your favorite podcast channels, YouTube and on our Comfort Cases page (www.comfortcases/podcast). On the Comfort Cases page you can also find all of our previously aired episodes.

If you have comments about today’s amazing episode, or a suggestion for a guest, please email us at [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you!

Now, here’s a bit more background on Rob’s first interview this season, with Todd Parr:

Todd Parr is an international and New York Times best selling author. He’s written and illustrated more than 60 beautiful books for children. In fact, Rob has been reading Todd’s books to his children for years. A family favorite is It’s Okay to be Different : targeted to young children first beginning to read, this book will inspire kids to celebrate their individuality through acceptance of others and self-confidence–and it’s never too early to develop a healthy self-esteem.

As you’ll hear in the interview, Todd’s book The Family Book has been listed as, for some reason, one of the “most banned books” in the United States. “Whether you have two moms or two dads, a big family or a small family, a clean family or a messy one, Todd Parr assures readers that no matter what kind of family you have, every family is special in its own unique way.”

Todd’s latest book is The Monster Mac and Cheese Party. His books have received numerous awards and are available in 20 languages. He is the co-creator of the popular Daytime Emmy®-nominated animated TV series ToddWorld with Gerry Renert of SupperTime Entertainment, and several short films for Sesame Street have been based on Todd’s work. Todd has partnered with Target, the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank, Stouffer's, People magazine, and other companies and organizations to help people and animals, and to promote literacy. He lives in California with his adopted pit bulls.

Here’s where you can find more information about Todd Parr and his books:

Website: https://www.toddparr.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ToddParrBooks/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toddparr/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/toddparr

For more information about Comfort Cases, please visit: https://comfortcases.org/

Comments? Questions? Guest Suggestions? Please send them to: [email protected]

🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!

Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:

👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases

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Thank you for joining us for our final “Best of Season 4” episode of Fostering Change. From all of us at Comfort Cases, we hope you had a wonderful summer and enjoyed revisiting some of our favorite episodes from this past season.

Next week, September 5, we will post the first episode for our new season.  Can you believe that we’re entering Season 5????  Neither can we!  We want to thank everyone: our guests and our listeners for all you do to make Fostering Change the #1 podcast for issues regarding foster care and adoption.

If you have suggestions for guests for our upcoming season, or comments on any of our shows, please reach out to us at [email protected].

Thank you again - now for a bit about today’s show!

In this week's episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer talks with Cody Renegar, Hairstylist, Author and Artist.Cody is a hairstylist, fine artist, and author of the memoir "Changing the Stars." He currently lives in California with his husband, Terry. He has a son, Levi, who, with his partner, Alaya, has given Cody three grandkids. Cody is the hairstylist of choice for many Hollywood entertainment industry celebrities and A-listers. Los Angeles is his main stage, although he also maintains a large clientele in Washington, D.C., and Arkansas. He is a cosmetologist and master barber with twenty-five years of experience with unique cutting styles and techniques; he is a former cutting director for Aveda and Bumble & Bumble, Minneapolis. Cody began his career in 1996 in Arkansas. He moved to José Éber Salon on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills in 2004, where he had the honor of working alongside José on the main floor and in his own private barber shop, working with many high-profile clients. Cody has been featured in the documentary film Hollywood to Dollywood and the book Rainbow Relatives. A talented artist, Cody's paintings hang in private collections around the world.

Story Key Notes:

🖐️ The power of hope, optimism, and resilience; how we are in charge of our own destiny (the foundation of Changing the Stars)

🖐️ Cody's experience in the foster care system and what he hopes to see change 

🖐️ Cody's career & personal evolution - Army, Father, Hair Stylist, Artist, Author

You can find out more about Cody by visiting:

Website: www.codyrenegar.com

Instagram: @hairbycodyrenegar (hair) & @codyrenegarart (art)

Facebook: @CodyRenegarOfficial (hair) & @artbycodyrenegar (art)

Tik Tok: @codyrenegar

Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/

🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!

Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:

👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases

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In this week's episode of Fostering Change,  we revisit Rob’s conversation with Gideon Bernstein, Chartered Financial Analyst and Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy and the author of The Workbook for Giving: Exercises for identifying the resources, giving goals, and giving strategies for you and your family.

Gideon Bernstein has served as a trusted financial advisor to families in Orange County, California, for decades.

Currently a Principal and Chief Investment Officer at Leisure Capital Management, his passion is working with nonprofit boards, families, and private foundations to help them achieve their philanthropic missions. 

Gideon has served as a board member of numerous charitable organizations, Vice President of Investments, and Chairman of the Board for the Jewish Community Foundation of Orange County. He holds designations as a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP).  

Gideon is also the author of Giving: A Handbook to Happiness for the Modern Philanthropist.

Story Key Notes:

🖐️ The Secret to Happiness: It's Giving.

🖐️ The new Workbook that was just published

🖐️ What inspired you to write the book?

🖐️ What does it take to be a philanthropist?  NOT Millions of $!

You can find out more about Gideon and his books by visiting:

Website: www.thejoysofgiving.com

Learn more about how YOU CAN GIVE at https://www.comfortcases.org/

🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!

Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:

👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases

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April Dinwoodie is an Adoption Activist, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Consultant, and Parent Coach.  Dinwoodie’s podcast Born in June, Raised in April: What Adoption Can Teach the World helps facilitate an open dialogue about identity, family, and differences of race, culture, and class.  As a transracially adopted person (Black/bi-racial, adopted into a white family), April is fiercely dedicated to sharing her experiences to audiences of varied spectrums.  In this week’s Fostering Change, April shares with host Rob Scheer her thoughts on helping individuals get a better understanding of people with similar backgrounds.  She often consults with companies and organizations to develop stronger and more astute teams, and ultimately find even more purpose in our individual and collective work.  In addition to consulting with corporations, schools, and government grants, and keynote speaking and training,  April serves as Executive Director of Transracial Journeys.

Story Key Notes: 

🖐️  Adoptment – Mentoring Program

🖐️ The calendar as a practical tool for conversation and action supporting the needs of youth separated from family of origin. 

🖐️ Mothers’ Day – the realities of complicated holidays in adoption and foster care

You can find out more about April by visiting:

Website: www.juneinapril.com

April’s Podcast: Born in June, Raised in April: What Adoption Can Teach the World

Facebook: @juneinapril

Twitter: @juneinapril

Instagram: @juneinapril

LinkedIn: April Dinwoodie

YouTube: April Dinwoodie

Tilktok: @juneinapril

Learn more about how you can affect change to the lives of youth in foster care by visiting https://www.comfortcases.org/

🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!

Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:

👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases

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Originally airing in May during National Foster Care Awareness Month, on  today’s “Best of” episode of Fostering Change Rob interviews Stacy Huston, Executive Director of Sixdegrees.org, the award-winning nonprofit founded by Kevin Bacon with a mission rooted in connecting people to resources. Six Degrees supports impactful initiatives to sustain and enrich local communities by developing partnerships and solutions working collaboratively with local leaders, residents, and celebrities, on increasing youth empowerment, justice and equality, and improving a sustainable living environment. 

The organization prioritizes the lived experiences of communities that are commonly underserved and under-resourced. They reach their audiences through video, content and Public Service Announcements about subjects that are meaningful to the community, with a big focus on youth: particularly early education, arts programming and early literacy.

Stacy received the 2022 Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award for her work with SixDegrees related to Hunger. She has overseen social media campaigns such as “l Stay Home For”, garnishing more than 1.2 million posts and 2.1 Billion engagements globally, winning 4 Webbys and A Shorty Social Good award. 

Story Key Notes: 

🖐️  “Cake it Like a Kid” - in support of Pediatric Cancer Awareness

🖐️  SixDegrees.Org produced Play On

🖐️  Getting People Moving the Right Direction

You can find out more about Stacy by visiting:

Website: SixDegrees.Org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sixdegrees.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sixdegreesofkb/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/sixdegreesofkb?lang=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacybradford/

Learn more about how you can affect change to the lives of youth in foster care by visiting https://www.comfortcases.org/

🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!

Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:

👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases

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