Photo by Glamour
Keke Palmer is a world-renowned actress, singer, rapper, songwriter and philanthropist who has been mesmerizing audiences since making her acting debut in the 2004 film Barbershop 2: Back in Business. An in-demand legendary superstar, Keke Palmer is the youngest actress and the first African-American to portray Cinderella on Broadway. Her credits include Akeelah and the Bee, Madea’s Family Reunion, Ice Age: Continental Drift, Joyful Noise, Shrink, The Longshots, Nickelodeon’s True Jackson, VP, and Lifetime’s TLC biopic CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story. Keke has also starred in Scream Queens, Hustlers, and many others. She is also the host of Queenpins, a new series by Facebook Watch and Glamour.
Among her many accomplishments, Keke is also the author of I Don’t Belong to You: Quiet the Noise and Find Your Voice, an inspirational guide that encourages millennials to change their mindset and live with more freedom, confidence, and love as they navigate the rough terrain of the 21st century.
A passionate advocate for at-risk youth, Keke gives back to her community by representing nonprofits such as Saving Our Daughters, an anti-bullying and girl-empowerment organization. Her Saving Our Cinderellas Program is a facet of Saving Our Daughters, which is geared towards using music, theatre, film and television to help build self-esteem in girls.
Keke recently recorded a special message for Trinity Youth Service’s foster youth for the Celebrity Love Project, in which she states, “Do not let the pain from your past stop you from achieving the things you want in the future,” and other motivational words of wisdom. View the video below to hear Keke’s entire inspirational message.
For more information about Keke Palmer, visit www.kekepalmer.com, or visit twitter.com/kekepalmer or instagram.com/Keke.
Jillian “JJ” Simmons, a fifteen-year veteran radio host from Cincinnati, Ohio, is more than just another voice to fill the airwaves. As an on-air talent, she has captivated listeners from major cities from across the country, including her hometown Cincinnati (WIZF-FM), Dayton (WROU-FM), New York City (WBLS-FM, where she worked alongside “The Queen of All Media,” Wendy Williams), Indianapolis (WHHH-FM), and Houston (KBXX-FM). Over the years, JJ on the Mic has interviewed many of the rich, famous and influential, including former President Barak Obama, and she has contributed her voice of experience to the ongoing dialogue on the impact of hip hop on the American social and political landscape.
Having lost two uncles to AIDS, JJ is also a champion of AIDS education and awareness. In response to her loss, she founded the J Darcey AIDS Foundation. As part of her awareness initiative, she also founded Red Tree Tees, an apparel company which uses hip hop infused tees as a tool of activism to emphasize the importance of getting tested.
In addition to being a positive influence on people she meets through her work, JJ is a proud mother. She uses her passion for the” mommy experience” to advocate for higher quality prenatal care in underprivileged communities. Although she has always had an innate desire to empower others, raising a daughter has deepened her desire to foster change in the lives of women, and inspired her to create the I’m Me Foundation. In keeping with her mission to create opportunities for positive social interactions and character-building experiences, the I’m Me Foundation provides tools to improve the esteem and self-worth of girls and young women.
JJ has chronicled her own personal experiences from a past abusive relationship and the journey to healing in her book, “Without Bruises,” designed to give guidance to others who find themselves in harmful situations. Her “Without Bruises: Help, Hope and Heal Series” is a collection of focus groups in collaboration with Therapist and Life Coach, Wendi Johnson-Turner, taking place in Houston. She invites the public to share their stories, champion one another and get healthy tools for healing.
JJ is currently excited to be part of Trinity Youth Services’ Celebrity Love Project and share some words of encouragement for girls in foster care. In her inspiring video message, JJ says, “Whatever you are going through, whatever you have been through, does not define who you are. You are not your circumstances.” She goes on to say, “You are qualified and worthy of greatness. You are greatness.” View the full video for more inspiring words from JJ Simmons.
It’s National Foster Care Month, a special time to show our supreme gratitude to our foster parents who go above and beyond to positively impact the lives of displaced youth. At Trinity Youth Services, we want to recognize our exceptional parents for their dedication, time and love they provide to our youth on a daily basis. Your support will help children thrive in ways they have never experienced.
We value you from the bottom of our hearts, because you help us build healthier and stronger communities with each hug, each praise, and each time you give guidance and unconditional love. You are the reason our young people can grow up as confident, loving and successful adults.
You do so much more than just provide shelter for a child in need. You provide hope for a brighter future for children who have experienced the trauma of abuse, neglect or abandonment, who need the support of someone who genuinely cares. We commend you for having a heart big enough to love a child and provide them with stability and a safe place to call home. We are very proud of our Trinity families and will always be here to support you in doing what you do best, nurturing children who need it most.
We’ve partnered with the Children’s Foundation of America to provide each Trinity Youth Services family with board games and a Target gift card. We hope these gifts help bring your family together and make the next trip to the store just a little easier. Thank you for all you do!
Florence Edwards, Foster Care Marketing Specialist
Florence has a strong commitment to helping foster youth and their families thrive and live successful lives. A former foster youth, Florence obtained her bachelor’s and master’s degree in Communications from California State University, San Bernardino, and is a certified Holistic Life Coach, motivational writer, self-help author and celebrity interviewer. Beyond the Trinity Youth Services blog, Florence’s articles can be found in numerous platforms including Foster Focus Magazine, Heart & Soul Magazine, BET Centric and Huffington Post. A passionate advocate for the LGBTQ community, Florence continues to educate, support and mentor foster youth throughout Southern California.
Providing a High Level of Care
Our Social Workers at our Rancho Cucamonga location are always working hard to help children and families receive a high level of care. “Our social workers are available to Resource Parents 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,” said Rancho Cucamonga Foster Care and Intake Director, Laura Abujudeh Kassem. Our Social Workers are a consistent person in the lives of the children they serve. The youth are seen on a regular basis to ensure their needs are being met in the home.
“Our Social Workers are true educational advocates that help our Resource Parents and youth navigate through a system that has sometimes ‘written them off,'” Laura explained. “Our Social Workers also advocate for the birth parents when they feel their voice is not being heard.”
For National Social Work Month, we are highlighting Roomina Islam, who has been a Social Worker at Trinity Youth Services for over a year.
Roomina Islam
Florence: What do you like most about working at Trinity?
Roomina: There are so many things but I especially like our comradery towards providing the best for all the children in placement.
Florence: What do you love the most about your role?
Roomina: I love the support that we provide to our foster parents and take that very seriously. I have some new foster parents and they are extremely apprehensive during their first placement and dealing with the responsibility of taking care of someone else’s children, and rightfully so! I appreciate that they turn to us for support and we are able to walk them through the process to become more seasoned foster parents.
Florence: What is your most memorable moment?
Roomina: My most memorable moment so far was when I was able to break the ice with a little 2 year-old girl on my caseload. She was placed in the resource home and wasn’t opening up to even the resource parent initially and the resource parent explained to me that it takes her a while to open up to strangers due to the trauma that she had been exposed to. After a few visits, however, I was able to create a friendship to where she runs and greets me with a hug when I visit her.
Florence: What are some of the hobbies you enjoy outside of work?
Roomina: Reading, cooking and spending time with family and friends.
Florence: Why should families consider Trinity when they want to foster or adopt?
Roomina: Because we really do want to provide the best for our Resource Parents and the children in our care. We take the time to think outside of the box and go above and beyond for our families which is so important especially in this field.
If you are in the San Bernardino County/Inland Empire area and are interested in becoming a foster or adoptive parent, feel free to contact our Rancho Cucamonga office directly at 909.980.4755.
Florence Edwards, Foster Care Marketing Specialist
Florence has a strong commitment to helping foster youth and their families thrive and live successful lives. A former foster youth, Florence obtained her bachelor’s and master’s degree in Communications from California State University, San Bernardino, and is a certified Holistic Life Coach, motivational writer, self-help author and celebrity interviewer. Beyond the Trinity Youth Services blog, Florence’s articles can be found in numerous platforms including Foster Focus Magazine, Heart & Soul Magazine, BET Centric and Huffington Post. A passionate advocate for the LGBTQ community, Florence continues to educate, support and mentor foster youth throughout Southern California.
Incredible Social Workers Doing Incredible Work
The Social Workers at Trinity Youth Services’ Monterey Park office work overtime to provide top-notch care for children and the families. Being available after-hours, providing support to foster families and helping children feel safe are just a few things that our amazing Social Workers do.
“Action begins with a desire. Naturally, heartfelt compassion leads to action. The vulnerable and disadvantaged in this world need more than pity, they need to see love operate selflessly and sacrificially. This is how our social workers operate. They support our children with their passion to make a difference,” said Monterey Park Foster Care Director, Angelo Colaiacovo.
For National Social Work Month, we are highlighting two outstanding Social Workers from the Monterey Park team who continually make a difference in our children’s lives!
Edward Rosales
Edward is a a Treatment Foster Care Social Worker at the Monterey Park office and has been at Trinity for a little over three years.
Florence: Why did you choose to work at Trinity?
Edward: I wanted to work with foster kids again. I worked with foster kids when I started my career over 20 years ago. I felt there was a big need for them to have supportive services, so I interviewed, and got the job.
Florence: What has been your most memorable moment so far?
Edward: The most memorable moments occur when the kids have been reunified with their parents. It’s always good to see the families doing the work that is required by them from the County. When kids see that their mom and dad are working toward getting them back, that’s always a good thing. Also, when the case goes to adoptions and the resource parents step up and adopt them. This is a rewarding experience to see a new family begin.
Florence: What do you love most about your role?
Edward: I get to do a lot of different things as a Social Worker. Whether the youth needs therapy, speech therapy, physical, mental health or occupational therapy, I can link them up with systems through the County. Also, jumping through hoops for youth to get their needs met has always been very nice to be able to do.
Florence: Why do you think people should choose Trinity? What makes us different?
Edward: We’re like a family here. I’ve been here three years, and pretty much everyone has jelled and is a great team. We are supportive of each other, and I think it shows when an applicant or Resource Parent comes in, and they realize that everyone is helping each other out. I think Trinity goes above and beyond in recruiting quality parents, so that’s always a good plus.
Florence: What are some of your hobbies outside of Trinity?
Edward: I love to travel, cook and I am an avid reader. I also love spending time with my kids. I have a boy and a girl, and I am really active in their lives. I coach my kids in various sports, such as football, baseball, basketball and golf. Both of my kids are in Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts respectively. As a parent, you always have to keep on top of your child’s academics. Thankfully, the Mrs. and I have done really well in having our children be top-notch, not only academically and athletically, but also in community service as well.
Tiffany Jones
Tiffany is a Treatment Foster Care Social Worker and has been at Trinity Youth Services for three years.
Florence: What do you like most about working at Trinity?
Tiffany: I like working with children and families and making an impact in their lives.
Florence: What do you love the most about your role?
Tiffany: I like working with the kids. I like mentoring them and seeing a difference. Some teenagers I work with are about to go to college and major in Social Work. One of them now has a part-time job. She wants to be a Social Worker and has been applying to colleges. She used to be at-risk, but she’s made a change.
Florence: What is your most memorable moment?
Tiffany: Seeing one of my kids be adopted, as well as when a client of mine graduated from high school.
Florence: What are some of the hobbies you enjoy outside of work?
Tiffany: I enjoy going to amusement parks such as Disneyland and Universal Studios. I also enjoy spending time with my kids, exercising and doing Zumba.
Florence: Why should families consider Trinity when they want to foster or adopt?
Tiffany: Trinity actually cares about the children and the families that they help, and what’s going on in their lives. It’s not about the numbers or the money.
If you are in the Los Angeles area and are interested in becoming a foster or adoptive parent, you can reach out directly to the Trinity Monterey Park Foster Care office at 626.966.1776.
Florence Edwards, Foster Care Marketing Specialist
Florence has a strong commitment to helping foster youth and their families thrive and live successful lives. A former foster youth, Florence obtained her bachelor’s and master’s degree in Communications from California State University, San Bernardino, and is a certified Holistic Life Coach, motivational writer, self-help author and celebrity interviewer. Beyond the Trinity Youth Services blog, Florence’s articles can be found in numerous platforms including Foster Focus Magazine, Heart & Soul Magazine, BET Centric and Huffington Post. A passionate advocate for the LGBTQ community, Florence continues to educate, support and mentor foster youth throughout Southern California.
Going Above and Beyond for Children and Families
The Trinity Youth Services Team in Houston, Texas is made up of special people who have a big heart for families and children. They often go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure children are safe, nurtured, loved and protected. When families first come into the Houston office, they are greeted with smiles and are given the encouragement and support they need to effectively and lovingly care for foster children of all backgrounds.
Tonia Hayes
Tonia has been the Houston Foster Care Director since July and has had a tremendous impact in the lives of families in Houston who wish to grow their family and help children in need of a caring, loving home. Tonia moved from Michigan to begin her work at Trinity Youth Services as the Treatment Supervisor and Assistant Director in 2017.
Florence: Tell us about the transition from Michigan to Texas.
Tonia: I jumped into that role coming from Michigan, so I had to learn Texas, especially in the child care system. My new role allowed me to familiarize myself with the agency, and how we can help our families be successful as well as the children. Taking on this role allows me to be an overseer of all of the aspects of the agency. As the Treatment Supervisor, I dealt with caseloads and social workers, but in this role, I have the ability to train the staff and conduct Marketing campaigns so that we can grow.
Florence: Why did you choose a career at Trinity Youth Services?
Tonia: I think I’m able to make a difference here. I can see growth and opportunity, so I am excited about my role.
Florence: What do you think sets Trinity apart from other agencies?
Tonia: We walk people through the process and accommodate families’ schedules regarding trainings. We are also more flexible when it comes to their availability when it comes to crisis situations. Our Social Workers answer the phones, and they go out to help the families. We have a much more personal approach, and I think that makes more of a difference. I’ve been told that some agencies aren’t there for their families as they should be. We stay alert to changes so we can keep families and staff informed, so I consider myself as an advocate for our families. I think that sets us apart from other agencies.
Florence: A major myth about foster children is that they are troubled youth who have behavior issues and are difficult to parent. What would you like perspective parents to know about raising foster children?
Tonia: I think one of the key factors is that every child needs at least one person to care about them, and that can make the difference if they perceive themselves as being successful or not. I’ve had the ability to work with children in different arenas who were involved in Head Start, foster care, residential, and the juvenile justice system. At the end of the day, one child can be involved in all of those arenas. It really depends on the support system the child has that can help them determine what direction that child will go in. Potential foster families may hear negative things about foster kids, but that doesn’t have to be their experience. They can come to the table providing this child with a fresh opportunity. Every child is a blank slate, and that’s how they should be looked at, regardless of what’s in their file. Focus on how you will be able to help this child in your home.
Florence: Why should perspective foster parents choose Trinity?
Tonia: We will help them through the process and will fight for them when things aren’t going their way. We aren’t going to rush them through it, because I need parents to know what they are signing up for. There are a lot of things they have to know to be successful.
Florence: As a foster care director, what is one of your immediate goals?
Tonia: I want to help more children. It hurts my soul to see children in need, and I don’t have a bed or a home for them. There are a lot of teenagers who haven’t been placed in homes. I would love to have more families on board who can work with our teens.
Florence: What, in your opinion, makes our Social Workers special?
Tonia: Our Social Workers are on call 24/7 in trying to meet the needs of the children and families. They understand their roles are not the typical 9-5 and are willing and able to provide the additional support when necessary.
Robert Richardson
Robert has been a Treatment Foster Care Social Worker for over two years and previously had worked with children with mental and physical disabilities for seven years in Mental Health Services. He also worked in a Residential Treatment Center.
Florence: What is the best thing about working at Trinity Youth Services?
Robert: The atmosphere. I like the teamwork that we do here. The only way for us to be successful is to work as a team. It’s like Trinity’s mission statement. We don’t let anyone fall by the wayside, if we can help it. We do our best to help the kids and each other, too. I really do enjoy working here. It has enlightened me a whole lot. My heart goes out to the kids. One of my clients is a freshman at Texas Southern University. He is doing well, and I keep in touch with him. He said the schoolwork is hard. I told him that he is just as smart as the other students, and I told him, “hang in there, you’ll make it.” He said he will.
Florence: What are some reasons people should consider fostering through Trinity?
Robert: Because you have people like me and other staff members who are going to stand by your side and support you in whatever it is that you are going through. We will step in to help you.
Donna Young
Donna is a Supervising Social Worker at the Houston foster care office. She began at Trinity nearly a year ago a Foster Care Social Worker and was quickly promoted to her current position.
Florence: What’s the best thing about working at Trinity?
Donna: The leadership. I’ve learned a lot from Tonia. She’s hands-on. I told her I wanted to work with someone who can show me the ropes on things that I don’t know. Tonia said, “There’s something I can learn from you, too, so let’s work together.” That was it for me.
Florence: What are some reasons people should think of becoming a foster parent through Trinity?
Donna: It’s rewarding. When you look at children who are in Trinity’s care, the majority of them will have a smile on their face. When we first begin working with youth, they don’t have a smile on their face. But when staff and the social workers start working with them, you will see the transition of a child who came from an environment where there was no reason to smile. We engage them, show them love and care, and nurture them. You see a difference in the kids when you do that. I can say, since I’ve worked at another agency, all agencies don’t do that.
Angela Edgerson
Angela is a Treatment Foster Care Social Worker and has been with the agency for nearly a year.
Florence: What made you decide to work with Trinity, specifically?
Angela: I’ve always loved working with children who have been abused and/or neglected. Because I was an abused child who was never rescued; my passion is making sure that the children on my workload are heard and helped.
Florence: Describe an experience with a family that touched your heart.
Angela: I have a foster parent who was in the process of adopting a sibling group of four. The children have been in care since they were infants. The foster mom wants the children to be together and know their roots. I know the kids love her and I know she loves them. I’ve been at their house in the evening when they’re getting ready for bed. They’ll say, “I love you, Mommy.” She’ll say, “I love you, baby. Say your prayers.” They have a chance that many kids don’t get.
Trinity’s Houston office is located in Harris County. If you’re interested in becoming a foster or adoptive parent and are in the area, make sure to reach out to our caring team at 713.957.8442.
Florence Edwards, Foster Care Marketing Specialist
Florence has a strong commitment to helping foster youth and their families thrive and live successful lives. A former foster youth, Florence obtained her bachelor’s and master’s degree in Communications from California State University, San Bernardino, and is a certified Holistic Life Coach, motivational writer, self-help author and celebrity interviewer. Beyond the Trinity Youth Services blog, Florence’s articles can be found in numerous platforms including Foster Focus Magazine, Heart & Soul Magazine, BET Centric and Huffington Post. A passionate advocate for the LGBTQ community, Florence continues to educate, support and mentor foster youth throughout Southern California.
It is easy to have unconditional love for a child in crisis. Opening your home and your heart to a foster child in order for them to become happy and whole again, is very rewarding and heroic. As a foster parent, your primary role is providing safety, comfort and love to a child, but one major challenge that many foster parents face is forming positive relationships with birth parents.
The number one reason you will want this to be one of your top priorities is because it helps the child feel safe, and it greatly benefits the parent as well. You can teach them parenting skills, help them learn effective communication skills, and conflict resolution skills. As a foster parent, you can have a profound impact that can help bring a family back together. To build a good relationship with your foster child’s birth parent, try these tips:
1. Be Supportive
Most children in foster care have been abandoned, abused or neglected by their parents. It can be easy to judge them for their actions, but remember that most of these parents truly want to do better. Instead of criticizing them, offer your support or a word of encouragement when they need it most.
2. Ask Yourself Positive Questions
Temporarily losing custody of a child can be a very painful experience. Many parents experience grief, anger, and a multitude of other emotions. Asking yourself questions such as, “How would I like to be treated if I was the birth parent?” can help you develop empathy and compassion for the parent. When parents feel accepted, and are treated with respect, they will feel more comfortable with you and develop trust, which is the foundation of any successful relationship.
3. Conduct Monthly Family Meetings
An effective way to build a relationship with a birth parent is to create time to meet with them to discuss upcoming activities, school progress and other important information about their child. Parents looking to reunify with their child will not only appreciate being able to take an active role on behalf of their child, but will also form a favorable attitude about you. Having a healthy and successful relationship with birth parents is one of the best things you can do to help support your foster child and give them the stability they need to thrive.
Talk to your social worker about your desire to create and maintain a positive relationship with the child’s birth family and ask them for their suggestions. Your social worker has a wealth of experience and knowledge, remember to share your foster care hopes, concerns and successes with them!
Florence Edwards, Foster Care Marketing Specialist
Florence has a strong commitment to helping foster youth and their families thrive and live successful lives. A former foster youth, Florence obtained her bachelor’s and master’s degree in Communications from California State University, San Bernardino, and is a certified Holistic Life Coach, motivational writer, self-help author and celebrity interviewer. Beyond the Trinity Youth Services blog, Florence’s articles can be found in numerous platforms including Foster Focus Magazine, Heart & Soul Magazine, BET Centric and Huffington Post. A passionate advocate for the LGBTQ community, Florence continues to educate, support and mentor foster youth throughout Southern California. Email: fedwards@trinityys.org | Phone: (888) 346-9645
It’s that time of year again! Father’s Day is just around the corner and all of us at Trinity Youth Services want to express our greatest appreciation to our amazing foster fathers!
The special role you play in a child’s life creates a life-long, positive impact that will help our youth become successful, caring adults. For everything that you do to take good care of your family, we commend you for stepping up to serve our children and for being positive role models who go the extra mile.
As a dedicated foster parent, we know that your first priority is taking great care of the children in your home. We realize that you have busy schedules and may often put your needs at the bottom of your to-do lists to provide the best of care to your family. While having a strong, healthy family is your main objective, there are some things you can do to take care of your family and your mental health at the same time. Here are a few of our recommendations:
Set Aside Time for Laughter
All too often, the demands of raising a family can be overwhelming and can lead to burn-out. In order to handle a demanding schedule, you need to step out of your daily responsibilities to uplift your mind, body and spirit. One way to accomplish this is including laughter throughout your day. According to a study, laughter has many health benefits. Watching a comedy, talking to someone with a great sense of humor, or reading the comics can lift your mood, increase endorphins and reduce stress.
Choose Your Food Wisely
Do you ever get up in the morning and feel lethargic? When you have a busy life, your body needs the right fuel that will help get you through the day. When you choose healthy food options, you will feel stronger, more energetic, and you will also be exhibiting positive eating habits for your children. Creating a healthy, yet delicious food plan each week can help you feel better and maintain a more calm, healthy mind and body.
Practice Thinking Happy Thoughts
Although having a family is one of the greatest gifts one can have, unmanaged stress can lead to unhappy thoughts and unhealthy behaviors. Check in on your thoughts, especially the ones you have when you first awaken. Pay close attention to any recurring thoughts that don’t feel good and replace them with thoughts that make you smile. Practicing choosing good thoughts for at least 28 days can help you feel happier, and a lot less stress. If you need additional help, learn about the Emotional Freedom Technique, a unique self-help tool that can help reduce tension and create more peace.
For more tips on foster parenting, self-care and raising happy families, sign up for our newsletter by entering your email address at the bottom of this page.
Florence Edwards, Foster Care Marketing Specialist
Florence has a strong commitment to helping foster youth and their families thrive and live successful lives. A former foster youth, Florence obtained her bachelor’s and master’s degree in Communications from California State University, San Bernardino, and is a certified Holistic Life Coach, motivational writer, self-help author and celebrity interviewer. Beyond the Trinity Youth Services blog, Florence’s articles can be found in numerous platforms including Foster Focus Magazine, Heart & Soul Magazine, BET Centric and Huffington Post. A passionate advocate for the LGBTQ community, Florence continues to educate, support and mentor foster youth throughout Southern California. Email: fedwards@trinityys.org | Phone: (888) 346-9645
Receiving unconditional love from a supportive family changes an abandoned child’s life forever. At Trinity Youth Services, adoptions are always special times when we celebrate the union of a family and their new child. Helping a child in need connect with their forever family is always a joyous occasion! We are thrilled to announce the adorable new addition to the Ramirez family!
The Ramirez family fell in love with one-and-a-half-year-old Eddie, a happy, healthy and energetic baby boy. On adoption day, Hector, Eddie’s adoptive father, revealed that he was happy and was almost ready to cry. The close-knit family was all smiles during the adoption proceeding, Eddie was very active, smiling and playing with his other family members, including an aunt who provided him with a lot of affection and attention.
Hailing from Riverside, the Ramirezes are a loving couple who have been fostering for three years. They decided to become resource parents after witnessing a close family member’s positive experiences with foster care. “My sister adopted her foster child, and he ended up being a good kid,” Hector explained.
With love and excitement beaming from his eyes, Hector, when asked about the advice he’d give to those considering fostering or adopting, he answered, “I’d recommend babysitting, reading a couple of books to know what to expect long term. It’s pretty much instinct, I think. When you have your first child, you don’t have books that train you on how to be a parent, but you learn as you go.”
After the court hearing, the Ramirez family cried tears of joy. Hector stated that he was very grateful that he and his family had finally made it through the adoption process. He also revealed how he felt about his adoption experience with Trinity.
“We loved it. They are great people. They work with us. If we have any questions, they’re there to answer them. It’s been perfect. Our social worker has been great. We haven’t had any bad experiences, just a good experience. If you love kids, it’s good to be a foster parent and adopt. If you enjoy kids, adoption is perfect for you,” Hector said.
It’s clear that the Ramirezes have a lot of love in their hearts for children. They are planning to adopt their other foster child in the near future. For more information about becoming a foster or adoptive parent, call 888.346.9645 or email info@trinityys.org.
Florence Edwards, Foster Care Marketing Specialist
Florence has a strong commitment to helping foster youth and their families thrive and live successful lives. A former foster youth, Florence obtained her bachelor’s and master’s degree in Communications from California State University, San Bernardino, and is a certified Holistic Life Coach, motivational writer, self-help author and celebrity interviewer. Beyond the Trinity Youth Services blog, Florence’s articles can be found in numerous platforms including Foster Focus Magazine, Heart & Soul Magazine, BET Centric and Huffington Post. A passionate advocate for the LGBTQ community, Florence continues to educate, support and mentor foster youth throughout Southern California. Email: fedwards@trinityys.org | Phone: (888) 346-9645
The Continuum of Care Reform (CCR) was designed so that children living out of their home would be provided the most appropriate placement in committed nurturing resource (foster) homes. Services and supports will be tailored based on each child’s needs. All of these services and supports fall into 6 Core Services: mental health, transition support upon entry, educational/physical/behavioral/extracurricular support, transition to adulthood support, permanency support, and Indian child services.
The Trinity Youth Services (TYS) team, along with our resource (foster) families, will directly provide the core services and support to children, Non-Minor Dependents (NMD) and their families, fulfilling the requirements of the CCR.
Previously we outlined the fifth Core Service, Permanency Support Services. This month we will look at Indian Child Services.
When serving Native American children, Trinity Youth Services will ensure they receive all the core services and support in accordance to the Federal Indian Child Welfare Act.
These services will be in the best interest of the children including culturally appropriate, child-centered practices that respect Native American history, culture, retention of tribal membership, and connection to the tribal community and traditions. Trinity Youth Services resource parents are trained to participate in cultural activities with all children on a monthly basis.
This concludes our series on Core Services. Check back next time when we discuss Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Jackie Jakob, Foster Care and Adoptions Director
Having over 20 years’ experience, Jackie currently oversees Trinity Youth Services’ operations of foster care and adoptions programs throughout Southern California and in Houston, Texas. She received a bachelor’s degree in law and society from University of California Santa Barbara, a master’s degree in social work from California State University Long Beach and recently became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Jackie enjoys spending time with her husband and two children attending various baseball, softball and judo meets. She is on the parent board for a judo dojo and is one of the troop leaders for her daughter’s Girl Scout troop. Additionally, she really enjoys running half marathons and aims to run 4 to 5 races each year.
Tel: 909.825.5588 | Email: info@trinityys.org
