Fostering Change

Today we revisit Angela Featherstone - model, actress, philanthropist: Founder of the organization Fosteringcare.org, a nonprofit trauma-healing and trade school for youth aging out of foster care in Los Angeles.

The school is contributing to halting the negative outcomes that so many youth who age out of foster care experience, including homelessness, incarceration, and human trafficking. Moreover, the school is also very importantly training young people in healing modalities, so that they leave school with a trade/occupation that will enable them to achieve self-sufficiency.   They are now working with Jae Canas from UCLA Behavioral Sciences who is now creating a trauma-healing template from our paradigm for the Dept of Mental Health.

Who is Angela?  

Within a year of emancipating herself from foster care at 17, Angela Featherstone became Canada's top model when her September, Flare magazine cover broke all previous records for sales. 

She quickly expanded upon her success and left for New York where she signed with the illustrious Click agency. She would travel the world as a top fashion model, working with such great photographers as Oliviero Toscani, Piero Gemelli, Irving Penn, Albert Watson, David Bailey, and Bruce Weber. 

But for her life's work of acting, she downplayed her striking features to play unlikely roles, emerging as an actress with exceptional versatility. She is best known for playing Chloe in Friends and the fiancé (Linda) who left Adam Sandler's character (Robbie) at the altar in The Wedding Singer. 

Most recently she played the role of Maggie on Showtime’s Ray Donovan and Jame on Girls for HBO. She has created sitcoms for Sony, DreamWorks, and NBC television, and written nonfiction for Time, Jane, Flare, The Huffington Post, Dame, and Zoomer. 

Her essay about childhood trauma, God Said No, was published in the 2014 edition of Gargoyle Magazine and nominated for the Pushcart Prize. In 2011, she curated Fuck Pretty, a show at the Robert Berman Gallery featuring important and emerging female photographers, and recorded “Coattail Glide” with Raymond Pettibon and the band The Niche Makers. 

Recently, Angela served as a consultant on the important documentary about the effects and healing of trauma, Cracked Up.

Story Key Notes: 

🖐️  Essay about Childhood Trauma

🖐️  Children's Action Network

🖐️ A Trauma-Healing Non-Profit for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care

You can find out more about Angela by visiting:

Website:  www.Fosteringcare.org

Instagram: @thefosteringcarehealingshool

Twittter: ​​@ppp_healing

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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Today, in the midst of one of the hottest summer’s on record, we revisit our interview with Sharlee Jeter, President of the Turn 2 Foundation, a non-profit established by her brother, baseball legend Derek Jeter, and their father, Dr. Charles Jeter, to motivate young people to turn away from drugs and alcohol and "Turn 2" healthy lifestyles.  They provide help for youth to reach their full potential by creating and supporting initiatives that promote leadership development, academic achievement, positive behavior, healthy lifestyles and social change. 

She also serves as vice president of strategy & development for Jeter Ventures, which encompasses Derek’s full portfolio of business operations. She is the co-author with Dr. Sampson Davis of the powerful book, The Stuff: Unlock Your Power to Overcome Challenges, Soar and Succeed . It was inspired by the authors’ own personal challenges and is intended to inspire readers to recognize their own strength and potential to succeed. Sharlee received her Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Spelman College. She resides in New Jersey with her son, Jalen. 

ALSO:

Congratulations to #Turn2 President Sharlee Jeter for being honored by One Hundred Black Men during its 60th Anniversary Gala. Recognized for her commitment to creating positive change, Sharlee received the Jackie Robinson and Community Impact Award. Held at Lincoln Center, the special event celebrated One Hundred Black Men's 60-year legacy and profound impact on the Black community.

Story Key Notes: 

🖐️ Giving kids a platform and an opportunity to succeed and live their maximized lives

🖐️ There are so many synergies that can be discussed during this podcast

🖐️ We have a responsibility to provide youth the opportunity to find & use their voices

You can find out more about Sharlee by visiting:

Website:  www.turn2foundation.org

Instagram: @sjeter2

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharlee.jeter.7 

Twitter: ​​@sjeter2

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

Listen to previous episodes of Fostering Change at https://www.comfortcases.org/podcast

🎥 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.

Today, as we continue our “Best of Season 4” series, we revisit our interview with Rob’s friend, David Ambroz, author of “A Place Called Home.”  David is a national poverty and child welfare expert and advocate. He was recognized by President Obama as an American Champion of Change. In writing about the book, Hillary Clinton stated: “It’s impossible to read… and not want to redouble your efforts to fight the systems of poverty that have plagued America for far too long.”

David currently serves as the Head of Community Engagement (West) for Amazon.  Previously he led Corporate Social Responsibility for Walt Disney Television, and served as the President of the Los Angeles City Planning Commission, and as a California Child Welfare Councilmember. After growing  up homeless and then in foster care, he graduated from Vassar and later from UCLA School of Law (J.D.). He is a foster dad and lives in Los Angeles, CA.

Rob and David have an enlightening conversation about the foster care system, grit, courage and integrity.

Story Key Notes:

🖐️What made you decide to revisit your childhood experience with poverty and in foster care in A PLACE CALLED HOME

🖐️  What qualities and/or circumstances allowed you to survive such deprivation and abuse?

🖐️ How did your sexuality change your foster care experience?

You can find out more about David by visiting:

Website: https://www.davidambroz.com/

More about the boo:  A PLACE CALLED HOME: A Memoir

Twitter: @DaveAmbroz

Instagram: @hjdambroz

Learn more about Comfort Cases at https://www.comfortcases.org/

To view previous episodes of Fostering Change, please visit:  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.

As we continue our “Best of Season 4 Series” this Summer, we go back to a true favorite: Rob Scheer talks with Lauren Ruotolo, author of “Unstoppable in Stilettos”, inspirational speaker and award winning content producer. 

Be this the first time you’ve heard this interview, or an encore, we know you’ll love Lauren as much as we do.

At 18 months Lauren was diagnosed with a rare disease called McCune Albright's Syndrome which left her walking with crutches full time at the age of 5 years old. After spending more than 20 years in magazine publishing and healthcare, Lauren now commits 100% of her time advocating for the 61 million people in the US and 1.2B globally who identify as disabled. Currently she is working with global corporations on why including disability in all your DEI, hiring and believes that all people matter.

Story Key Notes:

🖐️ Inclusion Matters

🖐️ Segregation Started for Me at the Young Age of 5

🖐️ Self Love and Acceptance  -- The idea of accepting who you are, where you came from and how exist 

You can find out more about Lauren by visiting:

Website: www.laurenruotolo.net

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

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/laurenruotolo

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

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

For our first “Best of” episode in July, we are revisiting our interview with Kenisha Anthony, a first-generation college graduate, award-winning advocate for youth, and author. Known for being resilient and bold, Kenisha Anthony is an outspoken activist utilizing her experiences to empower others. As a foster care visionary, she starred in the documentary, Foster Shock and has been featured on NPR and in Essence Magazine. Join our host Rob Scheer as he talks with Kenisha about her eye-opening memoir, LABELED,

Story Key Notes:

🖐️ Purpose of writing memoir

🖐️ Lived experiences as a child in care, advocate and social worker

🖐️ Life after foster care, college, career focus, healing, family, moving forward

You can find out more about Kenisha by visiting:

Website: www.kenishaanthony.com

Facebook: Kenisha E. Anthony

Twitter: aboutkenisha

Instagram: aboutkenisha & aboutlabeledbook

TikTok: aboutkenisha

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

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

Michael leads the executive efforts of the national nonprofit organization, Childhelp – a national leader in the prevention, intervention, and treatment of child abuse. 

Childhelp believes that every child has a unique contribution to make to the world.

Prior to his role with Childhelp, Michael has served in executive leadership roles with other national and international nonprofit organizations such as Easter Seals and Project CURE. Currently pursuing a PhD in Education from Seattle Pacific University, Michael is looking to advance the education, vocational, and communal support of children who have experienced, or at risk of experiencing abuse; as well as children and youth who are a part of our national foster care system

Childhelp has just launched the Courage First Hotline – a national hotline staffed with professional counselors to assist athletes, parents, coaches, and anyone in the athletic communities who are concerned about emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. 

Childhelp has also established the first evidence-based prevention education curriculum designed to educate students preK-12th grade on not only the signs and symptoms of abuse, but what to do when they witness or experience abuse. This curriculum has now included a new module around Human Trafficking.

Story Key Notes:

🖐️ About Childhelp

🖐️ A foundation to assist youth in foster care; as well as youth at risk for, or experiencing abuse

🖐️ The First Evidence Based Prevention Education Curriculum

You can find out more about Michaeli by visiting:

Website: www.childhelp.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/childhelp

Instagram: www.instagram.com/childhelpf

Twitter: www.twitter.com/childhelp

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

Listen to previous episodes of Fostering Change at https://www.comfortcases.org/podcast

🎥 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.

Originally posted in March, we couldn’t be happier to share Rob’s interview with his good friend, Mike Thorne, Mike’s focus of work is Human Transformation. He accomplishes this through an association with Vistage Worldwide, the largest Peer Advisory firm, and his work as Chairman of the National Council for Adoption.

As the author of the new book, Hustle With Heart: Unlocking Self-Worth Through Personal Trust Communities, he works to help people transform and thrive - at home and at work - to find a better way forward with their lives.

Mike is the former President of Yankee Candle and Russell Athletic and most recently CEO of Challenger Turf. He is a father of 3 adult daughters and has been married to his best friend for over 32 years. He invests his time with high integrity growth oriented leaders (and/or their leadership) who care about humanity and the environment

At age 46, Mike met his biological Mom and siblings, but not his dad. He was told that his dad didn't like successful people, but was talented at breaking and entering. Sitting in a living room with people he shared blood with but had never known until then was a turning point - Grateful vs resentful.

Mike shares so much in this interview with Rob Scheer, including these messages:

• Take care of your thoughts when alone. Take care of your words when with other people.
• The struggle of believing to belong: Belong. Build. Believe

Other Key Story Notes:

🖐️ Know and Own Your Own Story

🖐️ Define Your North Star

🖐️ Build Your Personal Trust Community Across All Aspects of Your Well Being

You can find out more about Mike by visiting:

Website: mikethorne.co

Instagram: @ptctransformer

Twitter: @ptctransformer

Linkedin:  linkedin.com/in/michaelbthorne

YouTube:@mikethorne3768 You Tube

You can purchase Mike’s book, Hustle With Heart, by clicking THIS LINK.

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

Listen to previous episodes of Fostering Change at https://www.comfortcases.org/podcast

🎥 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.

Please note that this episode initially aired in November, National Adoption Awareness Month. We acknowledge all, such as our guest Damon Davis, who continue raising awareness about adoption.

In this week's episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer talks with author and podcast host Damon Davis. Host of the "Who Am I Really?" podcast (www.whoamireallypodcast.com) Damon interviews people who share their stories of adoption and their attempt to find their birth families. He has interviewed nearly 200 adoptees from an array of life experiences from awful adoptions and amazing reunions to inspiring adoptions and unfortunate reunions.

In his autobiography "Who Am I Really? - An Adoptee Memoir" Damon shares his journey to becoming an adoptive parent and his emotions over the birth of his son, Seth. He opens up about the heartbreak of grappling with his adoptive mother's mental illness while balancing the joy of locating his birth mother working nearby. His journey took a twist when he located his biological father via DNA testing. 

Story Key Notes:

🖐️Who Am I Really? An Adoptee Memoir

🖐️Changing the Narrative about Adoption

🖐️While many children are very fortunate in our adoptions, let’s acknowledge that adoption starts with trauma.

You can find out more about Damon by visiting:

Website:Whoamireallypodcast.com

Facebook:facebook.com/waireally

Instagram:@damonldavis

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

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

Today we kick off our "BEST OF SEASON 4" series. And what better way than to re-broadcast our first episode of the season, featuring Olympic Gold Medalist, Greg Louganis. So please enjoy - either for the 1st time or again. And stay tuned for additional "Best ofs" through the summer until we premiere Season 5 in September.

From the archive:

We are so thrilled to launch our 4th Season of “Fostering Change.” Over the past 4 years, we have spoken with more than 150 Good Humans, who have shared their missions and inspiring stories. For our premiere episode of Season 4 we could not be more excited to have Olympic Gold Medalist, Greg Louganis as our guest. Enjoy!

In this week's episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer talks with Greg Louganis, Louganis was adopted at 9 months by Frances and Peter Louganis, who lived in Lemon Grove, CA, just outside of San Diego. Teased and bullied as a child for the dark skin he inherited from his Samoan father and for his learning “differences,” he turned to what he could do well: sport. His first love was gymnastics and by nine years old, he was a “seasoned performer on the local talent show and convalescent-home circuit.”

Considered the greatest diver in history, Greg Louganis is the only male to win gold medals on both 3 meter springboard and 10 meter platform in consecutive Olympic Games (1984, 1988).

Across the globe, billions who watched either the 1984 or 1988 Olympics were enthralled by the poetry that was Greg Louganis: the beauty and power of his diving captured the world.

With a total of 5 Olympic medals, 5 World Championship titles and 47 national titles, more than any person in U.S. history, his records remain unbroken.

Today, as a coach, speaker, author, actor, activist and humanitarian he continues his tradition of excellence.

A trained actor, dancer, model and spokesman, Greg’s wide repertoire of skills keeps him in demand and in the public eye. 

As the undisputed GOAT of mindset, Greg shares his knowledge and wisdom through his meditation and mindfulness course, as well as through his books, interviews and speaking engagements.

Causes close to his heart include HIV/AIDS, LGBTQ+, Adoption/Foster Care, Mental Health/Addiction, Human Rights, Animals, Environmental Issues and Climate Change. 

Story Key Notes:

🖐️ Dogs/Animals

🖐️ HIV/AIDS/LGBTQ+

🖐️ Adoption/Foster Care Environmental Health & Wellness

🖐️ Mental Health

You can find out more about Greg by visiting:

Website: https://greglouganis.com/

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

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/gregorylouganis

Twitter: https://twitter.com/greglouganis

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

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

Nolan Carr serves as the Marketing & Community Relations Manager for Amerigroup DC, a Managed Care Organization in the district serving residents eligible for Medicaid Health Insurance. In his role, Nolan coordinates outreach and community events to connect families to resources and services. Nolan supports the mission of Amerigroup DC to create a healthier District of Columbia. He is a proud graduate of Jackson State University.

Story Key Notes: 

🖐️ Supporting the foster care community together

🖐️ How Amerigroup DC is supporting the foster care community in the District of Columbia

🖐️ How we can work together to provide resources and support to the foster care community

You can find out more about Stacy by visiting:

Website: www.myamerigroup/dc.com

Twitter: @Amerigroup

Facebook: @Amerigroup

LinkedIn: @Amerigroup

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

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