2015

Hi Blog family!

Happy New Year!

I would say FosterKidsUnite, Inc. had a great year!
 We were able to help 18 fosters and former fosters in need of gift boxes for holiday/testing this year thanks to our kind donors.
We are praying for a couple of our former fosters, as they are facing life challenges.

* Always keep each other in prayer, as each day presents a new challenge, health, money, love, sanity, closure, education, whatever, life stuff, I call it! happens to ALL of us daily!

For the new year, I want us to be MINDFUL of others feelings. THINK before you say unkind words, HELP another in foster IF you can!

Never look down on anyone, by the grace of God, there ye go I, is a known saying my brother use to repeat when he helped someone in need, saying: "T, that could be me tomorrow"...his words are correct; one day we do good the next, maybe not so much!

For 2015: please be mindful of your surroundings
 if you are around someone talking negative or spewing hatred- detach yourself
* hatred often breeds hatred as we learned from slavery and the holocaust-
you can never change an evil mind, why waste your time?
* (not to say if a friend is ANGRY you CAN perhaps help them be more positive, if in time they don't, you may have to leave them behind in pity party land....its draining to be around negative people, who NEVER see good in anything..**I call them life vampires!!! run to the light!! lol

 Move on  with anything or anyone holding you from your greatness!

 surround yourself around positive PEOPLE, PLACES & THINGS!!!!!!
 Life is hard for ALL of us, black, white, with parents, without parents, life does not discriminate!!!

 It is crucial that you stay positive and run from anyone on your team that is hating on others or are violent in ANY way, verbal or physical, "ain't nobody got time for that!"

My prayer for all my group home youth PLEASE respect the law by STAYING away from trouble!!!
 If you are not in with trouble, trouble USUALLY does not find you - meaning don't go to any rallies, protest that may have jerks waiting in the crowd to ruin it for everyone!! R.I.P to all those who passed in innocence (Garner) but sometimes you can't get into the mix (without a great lawyer), which many of us don't have- If you know its in peace and no violent words or behavior, so be you protesting, its your right BUT if your not sure and it could get YOU in trouble, Don't do it, its not worth being locked up for OR being labeled as something your not just because you marched! (although I have been in  a situation and know others where they did nothing and almost got in trouble or a beat down because of egos),  barring a few of those incidents, STAY far AWAY from ANY trouble people places or things IF you can help it! Life is short so why spend it in jail or court? That is the last place I want to see any of you, as I know God has great things for those of you who  follow your dreams and stay focused!

I can say to all my fosters: I love and respect you for moving forward without family or with the little family you have who may not be of much help to you in this life - its all good! Believe in you and when you make it, pay it forward for 2015!!! Love to you all and our readers! any questions email us:
FosterKidsUniteInc@gmail.com
R.I.P to my baby brother Robert Cooper, the reason I do what I do! If you know any foster youth ageing out going to college OR in college and need scholarship please email us! also looking for honorees for our May event where we award our scholarships- please refer a great person who works with foster or adopted youth to us!! :)

Tanya

The Famous Little Red Book That Makes Your Dreams Come True! (Law Of At...

know what you want! Train your mind to do what you will. Every person who ever made it, used this formula, its accessible to all of us! #do what you wish # just sharing

T

Gift boxes for the holiday and being grateful

Hi blog family! God is amazing, Angels are everywhere looking out for you! Congrats to all my college youth who made it through another semester! We are watching you and here for you!

Turkey day is near! I want those of you who have any family, be grateful, even if they are not where you want them to be!
I also want those who, like myself have no family, (actually I found some through a birth cousin on FB!! lol) but who don't have family they are in regular contact with, to BE GRATEFUL! yes, I am repeating because no matter what your circumstances, being grateful will allow anger, fear and hurt to take a back seat so that love, peace and serenity came come forward in your life!

I know many people but truth is I always feel alone since my brother died. I have wonderful people in my life and even found some family but no one has ever checked on me, supported me or loved me, (besides my kids), like my brother! I know I say this because we grew up in foster care together since he was a toddler and I was 5! We had a bond like twins and I never believed anyone loved me, aside from my girls.... like my baby brother. But I am always grateful for the 41 years I had with him because many lost siblings at birth, many were not born.

Be grateful this holiday. If you don't have food, go to a church dinner, many states have them for free, check your local church! If you are lonely and have no place to go, email me and I will try my best to make sure you have some place to eat for Turkey day! If all else fails....Go volunteer at a church to feed the homeless on Turkey day, yes, I said give of yourself and help others, it takes you out of your own funk! This is how FosterKidsUnite, Inc was started, so I could honor my deceased brother and help others! It has been 5 years and what made getting through easier? Helping others and being grateful for what I have!
Enjoy your turkey day and check out the gift boxes donors have sent for our Gift boxes for the holiday/testing project, this is just one, I am picking one up Sunday from some fellow comics!!

We have much more in store for our youth ...stay tuned xo
Tanya
FosterKidsUnite, Inc.
914-646-4638
FosterKidsUniteInc@gmail.com
 

Marvin Gaye - What's Going On

hi blog family!

you should often re-evaluate what is going on in your life and where you fit in in this life. We all have talents that were meant to be shared. Often we don't find them or we follow a path not our own.. this song is brilliant reflection of late 60's...and even now... nothing in this life changes...but us..:) be the change of good! xo

Tc

FosterKidsUniteInc@gmail.com

*if you are a social worker or work with foster youth in college in NY and know a youth aged out in college in  need of a gift box please email us!

*we are

Honors for Foster Kids, Mentors, at Awareness Gathering | Chappaqua-Mount Kisco, NY Patch

We are working hard to get non profit status, please bare with us and know that we will do the work regardless! When you try to do good, expect challenges to come, greet them with open arms. I am so thankful to the donors who are trying to help us file our paperwork. I have always said as my foster mom taught me, honesty is best. If you walk away, you did not have good intentions anyway and that....is ok, my focus remains strong and only God can get me off my course to help more aged out youth!

Thank you two Kims, Len & Judy for your donations, every dollar helps us get closer to our goal!



I found this old article but thought I would share for any new viewers!

I hope you are all well and doing something to make this a better life experience for ALL of us!

If you see something in this world that needs BE the change to make it happen, don't wait for others, the right time, the money....that will never happen, just do it, and if you fall, get back up, dust off and have another go at it! This is life we never give up!

TC



Honors for Foster Kids, Mentors, at Awareness Gathering | Chappaqua-Mount Kisco, NY Patch

NY area college youth aged out recieve our gift boxes for testing/holiday

 

We are looking for youth in NY and in college to receive gift boxes for testing and the Christmas holiday! If you are a social worker or work with foster youth or former youth please call us and refer a young person in college for a gift box. All recipients must be met in person at their school or agency. If referred by a known agency in NY, gift boxes can be delivered or mailed,


Many do not have parents to send money, clothes or toiletries during the end of December semester, FosterKidsUnite, Inc. will not only send snacks for testing, (yummy stuff, I got you), but gift cards to all your favorite stores when you need a meal, a book or just a treat for yourself!! (Khol's, local food stores, Starbucks, Amazon, Macy's, Subway- depending on our faithful donors). I want our youth to know, your community cares about you and YOU can make a difference in the world if YOU finish school AND come back and help another foster!!!! Reach one Teach one!!
I pray you are all well and in great health, winter is coming be ready for the cold and stay focused!!
* also if any of my NY youth need a coat for the winter, CALL US!! 914-646-4638
email: FosterKidsUniteInc@gmail.com

 We may be able to a winter coat too you!!

Remember: if you need something to be a success in school and don't ASK......who do you have to blame? Reach out and take a hand when it is given!! We do this work because someone helped me make it through NYU!!! Yes, I am a former foster and proud to say it!
xo
Tanya

Deitrick Haddon - Well Done

hi blog family!

hope all is well!

when you wake each day be thankful.

Have a plan to do or get to what you were called here to do- we all have a calling!



 In the end of my time, I am ok if God is happy with the work I have done to help others!



 Nothing material matters to me as much as me knowing if there is a heaven, in my end,  God will say well done!

Don't try to please others, please only yourself, your ancestors and the one who made you- its all that really matters in this life.

 If you are working hard for anyone else on this earth, it may be in vain. Work hard for you and to show appreciation to our ancestors and the maker, that you know your worth and your willing to find your greatness and then help others through your gift! Remember, even in hard times, sad times, bad times, WE NEVER GIVE UP!!!! learn to center yourself through yoga, meditation, a long walk and or prayer- its life changing. You are loved and needed by the universe! You are bigger than you could ever imagine! God did not bring you or your ancestors through turmoil for nothing. Find your purpose, set a goal and be the best you!

*If you need to reach us: FosterKidsUniteInc@gmail.com





I leave you with this song, which touches and speaks my heart- I hope you find joy in it as I have done!

Enjoy your week xo

Tanya

Being ok with you

Hi Blog family!

this will be brief, I am busy with our Board members trying to make FosterKidsUnite, Inc. a household name! We our proud to welcome our board members: Sara Amuso, Judy Fazzinga, Megan Castellano, Iris Hick-Carvalho!
As Executive Director I am happy to welcome them all aboard *I am NOT taking a salary, this one is my work as a Quaker and a lover of God, this is how I give back AND honor my brother who passed away 5 years ago, after being with me all my life in foster care!
*We are waiting for non profit status BUT we will keep helping kids with faith and help from our community, as we have done for 4 years now! We are now official and waiting on status! Thank you for all those who helped us get started! Much more to do!

Thought of the day:

At some time in your life you will have to be content with you. No matter what you went through IF you can find change, growth and power, it was worth the pain! Nothing in this life happens without reason and IF you survive mentally and physically in tact - you are a warrior! Own your past, work through it, dissect it, share it and then..................move forward to the great life...LIFE....LIFE, God has given you!
Every day I thank my birth mom for NOT getting rid of me at a clinic OR selling me, (willingly), she left us in Foster care because she knew, she was not cut out for the job and today...I am ok with that!

Be grateful you are here, NO MATTER HOW, many did not make it to foster care, many passed due to abuse etc... be thankful for YOUR life YOUR story YOUR message and share it will help others heal. Pain is not always about YOU, its about US, together we rise to any occasion! Go fosters! YOU are great!

Tanya

If you have any questions or need to find us:
FosterKidsUniteInc@gmail.com

FosterKidsUnite, Inc.
P.O.Box 583
Bedford Hills, NY 10507
*book at Amazon.com *all proceeds to FosterKidsUnite, Inc.

 

your first week in a group home or foster care?

Yellow Moon - Neville Brothers

Hi blog family!

Love this song, reminds me of my birth mother...many of you may know what I am talking about. He is talking about his lover but for a kid whose mom left due to drugs...this song can be applied to that child.. Funny thing is my mom is from New Orleans

Many songs remind us of good and bad times but I like to use songs for healing and good memories, I passed the test of life and survived being abandoned, I am only looking ahead as you should also. If your a worker of foster kids, please share, songs are a way to healing and good memories!

African American Day parade today Sept 21, 2014

Hi blog family!
 

what a day!
It was an honor to march in Harlem today with not only my people but ALL people! Not only did Harlem represent' I saw many °others°!
Dr. King would be happy to see the amount of people that came out in love and respect for our heritage!

I am not a history teacher but I want ALL our young people AND all people to know, when you are going through struggles with or without parents...
when life gets hard
when mountains seem to high to climb
when you think you want to take your last breath... HOLD ON!
Know that our ancestors were killed, died and suffered so that WE could ALL have a better life!
While we still have cases of injustice, overall, life is what WE make it, even with racist haters in the back drop. The difference is that we have a VOICE now, we can speak up, we can march, we can, we can, we can!
Don't allow ANYONE, family, friend, foe, to tell you, you cant, because all of us alive today and living our fullest life, are proof YOU can We can!

In honor of our ancestors, seek help in getting to your gift, your goals. Don't let another day go by procrastinating, take action now!  Life is short but that does not matter, if I have five minutes or fifty years to live does not matter, what matters is the legacy I leave in those few or many moments! You are great, you are divine and its your time to shine AND help others along the way!! xo
T

Les Brown F.E.A.R.

Les Brown- Negative people

On The Town with Tanya Cooper for those who want to do comedy

If you ever wanted to be a comedian - check out my guest On The Town sundays 5:30

How I Used Law of Attraction To Get Money: $3000 Manifested In Three Day...

How To Attract All The Money You Need! - (Law Of Attraction)

most African Americans during slavery were taught they would get "rich" when they get to heaven, this is NOT true God intended for ALL of us to enjoy money and get it legally by using our gifts we all were born with! listen and use what you can. Nothing is fact but what you think in YOUR mind! Think big and know that God allowed you to be here so that YOU could WIN!!! xo

Tanya

Just Believe!- Your Faith Is Stronger Than You Think... (Law Of Attraction)

Hi Blog  family!

thinking positive is crucial to staying positive- we are human and must work on being better, even those called to ministry must stay prayed up...to stay focused on good, even when it seems your not getting your share, you have to go to ALL things positive and that teach you growth! xo

Tanya

FosterKidsUnite, Inc

Tanya Cooper speaking at Rye Playland to 800 foster families/kids

its from few years ago but thought you might get something out of it! Remember I am speaking over 800 kids and families AND play land regulars!! lol

Great event put on to thank foster families in Westchester!

Aged Out with little resources

Hi Blog family!

so thankful you all made it through another summer.  You should be excited about your life and the possibilities that can happen at any moment! FosterKidsUnite, Inc. is now official! We are waiting for non profit status!! :)

I know some of my young people just aged out of foster care in June and are now in transitional housing facing issues like DSS cutting them off AND you don't know why......ASK!!
I cannot tell you enough, you must advocate for yourself!
Once you age out, your on your own. Many places will give you transitional housing, (IF YOU ASK, BEG OR SHELTER IS ONLY OPTION), that is the hard truth. Everyone wants to pass the buck, actually there is no more money to be made, that is why you are passed on or looked over. I have to keep it 100%, some may not like it or agree BUT if you do your homework and talk to thousands of youth who aged out like I have, you don't need agency statistics to tell you what is needed.
FosterKidsUnite, Inc. was formed so we can provide non traditional services to those in care and those who aged out and seeking higher education! As of now, our ONLY intention is to help those who have no family to go back to, (be that because they are on drugs or deceased).
As Executive Director, I was once in your shoes, moved around, group and foster homes and lucked out to stay one place 7-18, but I had to sign myself back in, because I had NO family and my foster family and I were divided after my being abused by two foster brothers, was discovered. No one cared about me and I had to learn quick, I had to care about ME!!!
I started researching and asking questions. If a social worker told me I could not get help, I would not only ask her why, but I would ask for her boss and then the commissioner in the area who handles those services!! And if that did not work, I would ask for a fair hearing!! Your life depends on how much you advocate for yourself! Education is totally FREE when your in foster care and up until 25, some places you can still get Pell, Tap, FASFA help! There is NO reason, if you passed your diploma or GED, why you cant go further with education. Take a class that interest you, go to the local college and talk to the Dean, somebody can help you if YOU try!

Budgets are being cut by government daily, that is why you must know your rights and who gets paid to help you, why and how they can and should help you!
If they can help a person that just did a 25 year bid in jail, why cant they help a kid who grew up in group homes all their life? It is not your fault if your not ready, its the agency that placed you, they did not give you the skills to survive this expensive world but they made plenty of money off you!  In jail they get $30,000 a year per inmate, imagine what they make off group home kids? Add in grants and tax breaks - everyone getting paid but YOU and now your ashamed to ask for help? Get the help you need and learn to go back to the very agency that let you go and demand help, if your under 21 sign yourself back in to get what you need to survive!
You deserve a great life and usually parents lead you, prepare you, teach you, if you were with an agency that just let you run around and never stimulated your brain or challenge your skills, it is their fault also- you have to take responsibility for yourself because YOUTUBE explains anything you don't know!!
I wrote way more than I wanted but I am ticked off that so many kids are in need, dropping out of college because no one will help them buy books, or basics. We hope to pick up some of the slack at FosterKidsUnite, Inc. If we can save or change one life, we put a pebble in the water and while small, there will be a wave!

Advocate for self!!!xo
Tanya

information on how to help please write or email: FosterKidsUniteInc@gmail.com
P.O.Box 583
Bedford Hills, NY 10507

*If you are in NY and want to donate or volunteer and help us in December with our gift boxes for testing please email us. we provide snacks for finals, personal items for bathing, socks, gloves, gift cards to ALL the major stores;; Kohl's, target, Macy's, A &P, amazon, Starbucks, just to name a few!
*If you know someone in the NY area that has worked with foster/group home kids on any level please nominate them to receive the "Citizen of Change" award at our end of May event where we also give The Robert Cooper Memorial Scholarship!
 

On The Town with Tanya Cooper

blog family!

R.I.P to Robin Williams and prayers and love to his family!

Depression is serious, if you have a sadness that will not leave, that haunts you, that makes you hurt yourself or want to hurt others SEEK HELP from friends, family or doctor! Don't allow the pain to take you from us, we need you in the universe! Know that you are loved and we ALL matter xo

in case you did not know I have MANY hobbies, I am sharing the two most important - helping foster kids and former fosters who are adults and trying to advance education in some way. FosterKidsUnite, Inc is now a reality thanks to my brothers friends!! We hope to do more to help foster kids. You will be hearing more soon! Thank you for supporting the blog! My other love, since I was 12 I wanted to be queen of late night TV- have my own talk show!! yes, before I heard of Oprah I LOVED Carol Burnett, Sammy Davis, Jerry Lewis, Dean Martin, Gilda Ratner and the OLD SNL!!! I use to write scripts like I was on staff!! lol  I recently started stand up comedy AND I am doing On The Town until NBC, CBS or ABC call!!! lol

Remember to dream big, nothing is impossible, things may not go as planned at first, you may see no money at first, but if its your dream, it cant be wrong!!! Go big!! God would want it that way!!

 Don't forget to always go back and help others...and if you have nothing, that's ok too, give your heart and your time to help others.

Gratitude and Giving...best things in life are free!!! xo
 TC

your first week in a group home or foster care?

Foster Leaders Talent Intro

Tamela Mann - Take Me To The King

sometimes things will get hard but we never give up, we fight harder, cry less and remember that God has divine purpose for us! When I am down I love to listen to this song it reminds me that we are human and all go through emotional turmoil.

What you do with the challenges in life is what counts. Put on a good song that soothes your soul or lets out how you feel, then move on to your greatness!

You may be at a low point in your life; no job, no place to live, maybe no food. This is when you are being tested. Think of all your talent and skill that could be making you money to pay bills and be independent! Maybe you are an artist, singer, dancer, writer, cleaner, babysitter, YEs, it takes skill to do all of these things, you have to figure out how to make your gift and talent into a cash flow!! Put on your thinking cap because giving up is NEVER an option, we are fosters and we fight until the very last breath. I want your fight to be non violent to be a mental challenge on how do I get from point A to point B, without harming myself, others or lowering my standards and abiding by the law? You can do it no matter how old you are, you can be someone great. You were born to be here!!! xo

Tanya

Neville Brothers - Yellow Moon

Hi blog family!

Today my brother would be 46, unfortunately heart disease took him too soon. My birth mom also died (at 42, she outlived her son)...R.I.P to her for birthing me and to my brother for helping me get through the first 21 years of life and helping me grow as a person for 41 years of his life!

It is important to honor those that got you hear, (even if it did not work out), we all have divine purpose. Our siblings help us through foster care after a parent and family are no longer found, honor that and thank God for whatever time you have with a sibling - it will help you grow in many ways!!

To all those who lost a sibling in foster care through adoption, I imagine your pain is as deep as mine if u lived with that sibling for at least the first 5 years of your life! I will never forget my brother that died nor my brother Mark Rochester, who was adopted off around 3 years old!! NEVER FORGET and honor them by doing good for others! I am excited to help foster kids in my brothers honor! xo



Tanya

Bringing good into existence with I AM

hi blog family!
I hope all is well. Life is great when you live it!
* remember the book above is at Amazon.com*

hope summer is awesome! The universe is moving, growing and you should be too! I am so excited for life each day I wake, why? Because I am somebody! I am not defined by foster care and foster care was my experience not my life! I am grateful, I am loving of my creator for making me, I am somebody with a dream of helping others in care!

I was reading this today, very helpful. I love Joel and Victoria, they are true inspirations, accepting nothing but the best from all of us! Are you giving and expecting the best in this life? Read below, I am grateful that I can share this with you! xo Tanya

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Have you ever considered the power of the statement, “I am”? What follows these two simple words will determine what kind of life you live. “I am blessed. I am strong. I am healthy.” Or, “I am slow. I am unattractive. I am stupid.” The “I am’s” that are coming out of your mouth will bring either success or failure. All through the day the power of “I am” is at work in our minds. Many times we use the power of “I am” against us. We don’t realize how it’s affecting our future. Here’s the principle. What follows the “I am” will always come looking for you. The good news is that you get to choose what follows the “I am.” When you go through the day saying, “I am blessed,” blessings come looking for you. “I am talented.” Talent comes looking for you. You may not feel up to par but when you say, “I am healthy,” health starts heading your way. “I am strong.” Strength starts tracking you down. You’re inviting that into your life. Get up in the morning and invite good things into your life. Declare “I am blessed. I am strong. I am talented. I am disciplined. I am focused. I am prosperous.” And always make sure God’s truth follows “I am”!

The Secret & The Law of Attraction by Wayne Dyer

your first week in a group home or foster care?

keep on moving, the storm shall pass

my friend Sharisse..singing Cold War ~ Janelle Monae (cover)

hi blog family:

I post this so that you will listen to the words. You have divine purpose- know it and know HOW your gift and purpose will save or change a life!!! Nile Rogers Something Distribution has a saying" Stand for something or fall for anything.." Do you and know that YOU are it!! xo

Tanya

Tamela Mann - Take Me To The King

never get discouraged! What God has for you, no man can undo!! this is my favorite song!!

Tanya

Learn to live in silence and enjoy YOU and doing nothing

 

hi blog family!
May 28th was a success again this year thanks to my brother's friends!! some video is available on vimeo! I will share next time :)


my only advice: Work on you, everything else will follow! If you are standing still its because the universe wanted you to sit and enjoy your own silence and peace. Learn to enjoy you, even in quiet, even in pain, even in laughter, there is no one like YOU!
xo
Tanya


FosterKidsUnite, Inc. is about to be a full reality soon, thanks to my brother's great friends! I will be announcing our board members and website soon!!!

Rebounding after death abandonment

Hi Blog Family!
I pray you are all well and with love in your hearts. June 10th made 5 years since my baby brother, (who grew up with me in foster care since he was a toddler), died at 41 of heart disease! Time moves fast and waits for no one!

I share with you how I made it through my grief of losing the only person in the world I knew, had my back, no matter what. My life has never been the same since he died. I am a witness that no matter what you lose in this life, as long as its not your mind, lol, (I actually did lose that briefly) but thankfully, as a former counselor, I knew how to bring it back!

1. I did cry, scream and let my body go through the regular emotions from grief. If you don't cry or feel a loss when you lose a sibling you grew up with, you may want to check that with a therapist, as it is NORMAL to grieve, it is normal to feel abandoned all over again, as long as you don't wallow in it and get stuck in that loss feeling like when you were in foster care after 6 months.

2.Once I let it all out of my system, (and it took 3 years to WANT to move forward) STOP playing violins, we all lose love ones, we all must go one day. What will you do to make your siblings life not be in vain? My brother's friends and I help foster kids that are aging or aged out of foster care and going to college or trade school. We provide non traditional services. We all do the work for FREE, yes, giving back is how you move forward after death of a loved one! When you sit in pity too long, you may become pitiful. Remember God loves you, has great things planned for you, IF you get off the couch and go after your dreams!

3. Be thankful to God for ALL the years he DID give you with your sibling! 41 years, I was blessed to have known my brother, my other brother Mark got adopted off around 3 years old to a doctors family who had a daughter around 5 at the time in Elmsford, NY!! I only had 3 years, but enough for him to leave an impression on me and long enough for me to know we loved each other. Siblings teach you how to deal with other people and situations when your parents are not around! Just like your parents are a vehicle to get you here, your siblings is  a vehicle to keep you strong and sharp, give you a backbone! They are there to make you strong, teach you how to cry, and move on, drive you crazy, so when you do hit a bump in life, you don't really go crazy. (lol) those who have siblings that can be a pain at times, you know what I mean! God made siblings so you don't always have to go through your parents to learn something!!!

I hope this helped in some way. This is solely my opinion and I only write to share what I know as my truth in hopes that YOU will become the dynamic person you were born to be! Enjoy your summer all my graduates. Congrats!!!
Smile, someone is watching you!!

ps. If anyone is in NY/Westchester area and wants to volunteer at FosterKidsUnite, Inc. please leave me your email!! If we don't do the work - it won't get done!!! Lets make it a goal for ALL foster and former Foster's to get the highest education you can and when you do make it, go back to the group homes and orphanages and help our brothers and sisters that want help!! xo
T
 

Former Gang Members Build Peaceful Communities in 'License to Operate'

Former Gang Members Build Peaceful Communities in 'License to Operate'



Hi Blog Family!

for my young ones that are about that life- thought this article by Alissa Fleck would be helpful in you finding your way around gang life! You are a leader not follower. Any activity promoting violence should not be in your life. Death is sure to come to all of us one day, no need to rush it!. Hope summer is kicking off with graduations and moving up! xo T

Former Gang Members Build Peaceful Communities in 'License to Operate'

Former Gang Members Build Peaceful Communities in 'License to Operate'



Hi Blog Family!

for my young ones that are about that life- thought this article by Alissa Fleck would be helpful in you finding your way around gang life! You are a leader not follower. Any activity promoting violence should not be in your life. Death is sure to come to all of us one day, no need to rush it!. Hope summer is kicking off with graduations and moving up! xo T

your first week in a group home or foster care?

Summer is upon us as FosterKidsUnite celebrates its 4th year!

looking back on some of FosterKidsUnite, Inc. past 4 years!

May National Foster Care Awareness Month an event we do at our local Mount Kisco Library to raise awareness on foster care and adoption AND every year we choose a different theme that needs life- this year was healing from Trauma in relation to abandonment/foster care/adoption.

FosterKidsUnite, Inc. mission -  helping those aged out of foster care with non traditional services:

 self help guide book for foster kids,

 The Robert Cooper Memorial Scholarship, (for those in school and need items during a semester,

 gift boxes during testing,  (these are items a parent would have bought and sent to the school while their kid is away and college); gift cards to khols, Macy's, under garments, personal supplies, scarves, cologne, perfume, socks,lots of snacks for exam day!!).. Staples, Amazon, Starbucks, A & P food store, (thanks to St. Joseph Seniors!!) 

BIG THANK YOU TO ALL MY DECEASED BROTHERS FRIENDS WHO HELPED MAKE HELPING OUR KIDS POSSIBLE! MY BROTHER KNEW WHO WAS GOOD TO HIM AND I WISH HE WAS HERE TO SEE THE LOVE HIS FRIENDS HAVE SHARED WITH FOSTER KIDS!! HE TOLD ME BEFORE HIS DEATH THAT IF I EVER NEEDED ANYTHING I COULD CALL ON THOSE FRIENDS, AND THEY CAME THROUGH FOR THIS- MUCH THANKS!

Hey blog family!

hope all is well and you are on your way to greatness!
Summer is upon us and this should be a time for you to vacation your mind, body and soul!! Learn how to go away for two hours, a week or two weeks, as long as you know how to silence your mind from the world and work chaos and enjoy YOU and your FAMILY in your life (friends included)!

Life is so short, yesterday marked 5 years since my baby brother who grew up with me in foster care died of heart disease!  I could have never imagined the world without him, but as you and i see, LIFE keeps on moving even when we or a loved one dies!! I never thought i would make it this far but God is good as i have faith of a mustard seed! Keep loving yourself and knowing what your value is to this earth! We all have one if you don't know or not sure, keep living you will find out what YOUR passion is and how to turn it into a life saver for someone else!
Time, if your allowed it, is your best friend for finding what you love and don't love in this life! Live it with honor love and integrity ALWAYS, never compromising for money, man, woman or Satan, (the later will lead you to all the others, lol)- wait did my auto corrector just correct satan and put a capitol?? no it didn't!!! lol i don't think satan should be capitalized, hello, he is the devil!!!

 lol in all seriousness, don't give him or it a capital in your life, leave the s in satan small so you are sure not to give it NO attention this summer!!
I pray for all peace, love, happiness and finding your comfort financial place!
To all my fosters, I pray you stay safe this summer, congratulations on school being out!! Don't let anyone tell you your place in this world, enjoy your summer and go get it- whatever you want legal and good for you, go get it as Mary Mary says in their song GET YOUR BLESSING!!!! enjoy your summer!
Hopefully FosterKidsUnite, Inc will be a finished reality soon! We helped 3 more foster youth aged out this year and hoping you help 10 of your next year! xo
TC

Sade - When Am I Going To Make A Living

were hungry but we won't give up - hungry but were going to win! when things get hard, pray and stay focused on your goals - never give up! God gave you a brain, use it..xo

R.I.P Karen Soul II Soul - Keep On Movin'

let no one stop you from dreaming! stay focused, keep on moving...xo

Tanya

FosterKidsUnite, Inc official summer is upon us

Hi Blog family!

I am so excited that FosterKidsUnite, Inc. is now official! We are hoping to provide foster youth aged out and adults who were in care, and in school with non traditional services!
Congratulations to Devon, Shantha, (honorable mentions), and Mercy -recipient of The Robert Cooper Memorial Scholarship 2014!!! You are all amazing youth and I hope your rewards will help you with items needed in college!

I am so thankful we were able to provide an extra cushion to those in school and without parents- I made it through NYU because of Quaker who helped me with books!
Never take it lightly when someone or an organization wants to help relieve some of your burden from school! Be grateful someone is thinking of you there are plenty of places they could spend their money- be grateful and pay it forward!! No one HAS to help you, we do because we love that you are moving forward, even without family! We do it because we know you will come back and pay it forward!!

Learn to say thank you and always send a thank you note to any person or agency that helps you. It shows that you too took time to think of them!

I pray you are all ready for graduation and moving up! I want you to reach for the stars, the sky is the limit because GOD made you limitless!!

Congratulations to all who finished and worked hard. And for those that have to do summer school, don't be mad, put in the time and get your mind right- it will help you in the end get better work if your educated!! If this is your last year and you cannot go to college, don't be mad, find something you are good at, something the world needs and find a way to get it to us. You can start your own business IF you have an idea and can fill a need! my brother Rob and I use to say this when we were down in foster care: "We never give up!! and neither should you!!xo

Tanya

Celebrate National Foster Care Awareness Month!

Hi blog family!

I am praying you are all in good spirits and with love in your hearts and home! Don't forget our event May 28th at Mount Kisco Library 4-6pm!!

Megan & I have been very busy trying to make FosterKidsUnite, Inc. a reality! We are in the mist of things but lets just say we are on our way! We also welcome Judy and Sara as new board members and we thank Iris and Tati for being willing to help us! I remember when my brother passed away 5 years ago, June 10th,( time is flying), I had no idea how I would start FosterKidsUnite with little or no money, can I say, God always sends me angels with big hearts & pocketbooks!

If you ever have an idea, that will save or change a life, and you know God sent you the idea, ACT ON IT!! Don't be afraid to ask others for help! I am committed to providing non traditional services for foster and former foster youth. Non of my staff is taking a salary because this is God's work!

I have had people think that I was not smart for taking a salary but they don't know, in my life God comes first and then me! I am blessed to have many talents I can capitalize on, helping others through FosterKidsUnite, Inc. is not one of them! I am so glad that God has sent me Angels who not only support me, but feel the same way! Learn to help others because its the right thing to do, not because you can get rich! We are all one and if you don't have, I don't have...

Enjoy your Saturday. Learn to write down your goals and like me, you will be checking them off as complete one day!!

xo
Tanya
 

Nonprofit TV Show Found Causes "Foster Care"

God bless those that help others!

Figuring it out!

Hi blog family!!

HISTORY 101- "know your ancestors, then you will know what greatness you came from!" - Tanya

Do you see this great woman! An original "American"- Do you know what she went through and now life is better for us? I doubt she ever complained. Look at her carefully, you can see she comes from good stock and is very mentally and physically strong - nothing in this life can deter her, for she is a true warrior- like our ancestors...and no matter what happens physically in this life, as long as you have breath - you too are a warrior!!

It does not take much to figure out that YOU are a superstar waiting to shine!

How do we know this? Why am I having a hard time as a former foster figuring out where I belong in the world? Why don't things come easy for me? Why do I have no family and if I do, they are not reliable?

A lot of questions!! Hold your horses, lol !!

First: We are ALL in this world trying to figure out why we are here, (including your parents and family), why some were born with more than others and how that applies to US- it doesn't - don't worry about what someone else has- it has NOTHING to do with you!! We are each here for OUR OWN experience!!!! Some of us get guided by family friends, others, have to find their way - either way is ok IF you wake each day and LEARN a new lesson that gets you closer to the reason...ie, purpose.

No man woman boy or girl will escape reality of life, good and bad things happen to good people!
You may be a teen reading this living in a group home, you may be a house mom who use to be in foster care, you may be in a transitional home, does not matter- what you need to know is YOU HAVE DIVINE PURPOSE!!!

When I discovered that at an early age, I knew that even sexual abuse could not stop me from getting to my greatestness AND that once I found that greatness, I would be lead to helping, healing and saving others and get out of MYSELF!
I live everyday trying to figure out HOW to get to the next step that will lead me to my calling- I know it is helping others in foster care but way bigger than this!!

 I have had many downfalls, (epic fails as the teens say, lol), but I get back up each time, dust myself off, laugh and cry a little, then hit the road harder!!

You were chosen because God knew that YOU COULD handle it!!! Stop saying why me and say WHY NOT ME? No one is extinct from error, hurt, death, sickness and NO one is extinct from finding their GREATNESS that will help them help others move through this life!!

Everything material you see, its all an illusion, don't get caught up in the worldly assets, get caught up on how many lives you can save or change - that - will be your biggest success by helping others and sharing your truth!!

You are loved, divine and oh so needed!! xo
Tanya
PS. thanks for all your prayers, God is amazing, life is rewarding when we wake up and take it by the horns!! Wishing you the best for 2014
 lol

Special Report: Ft. Hood Shooter Was on Cocktail of Psych Drugs

Hi blog family!



for those of  us on psychological  medication-

 I want you to remember therapy is most important -

you cannot get well without digging into your past and finding why we need medication or drugs to function daily! If our ancestors can survive Holocaust and Slavery- u can come through any dark period in your life!!

- please research and find a great therapist you trust. I am a big advocate of "talking" out your problems not medicating - which is done often with foster kids!!

 Protect your mind!!!

God has so much for you to do, you need to have a clear mind. Never listen to News or others DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH on what is real and what is not!! We have been programmed while in care- deprogram yourself and reach your full potential: eat healthy, protect your mind and exercise!



I want you to stop numbing your brain with video games and negative TV and start searching for healing alternatives, positive people, self help info!!

Have a great day and know you are special, loved and needed by the universe!!

xo

T

faith in hard times

SAVE THE DATE MAY 28TH!!!


hi blog family!
lol I feel a sermon coming on..
Seriously-
 life has been challenging this month for many that I know but I say - hold on help is on the way!

I am sure we have all been tested in our faith at some point - even being in and surviving foster care we must have had "faith" of some sort to have gotten through!
When I was in the height of my abuse as a kid, I always knew it would stop one day - I don't know how but my inner soul comforted me even at my most tortured times...Faith. Believing in the unknown or unseen- comfort, relief is coming...faith got me through AND I maintained my sanity!!

I talked with a few aged out youth this month who are going through rough times;  dropping out of school because of money issues, others entering back into society after incarceration and another not happy with their adopted parents because they don't feel supported. All understandable life challenges!! They are not alone and after all they have been through - I still commend them for starting each day new! When you are feeling down and like you are the only one things happen to have Faith...

We must remember that none of us on this earth is extinct from tragedy, illness, death and hard times!!
If we are to come out foster care and into the world to go on to our greatness - we must become "depression and oppression proof"- taking control of our destiny and our minds!! (this is not easy)

 we must focus on healing our inner selves with every self help book and video you can find!!

 I know for certain, God did not bring any of us this far....to leave us!!
 ("I don't feel no ways tired-come to far from where I started from, nobody told me that the road would be easy, I don't believe he bought me this far, too leave me") one of my favorite Baptist songs!

While I faced, (like many of you), neglect, abandonment, abuse, loneliness and my sibling dying early, I also faced mental growth, spiritual empowerment, (this does not mean you have to go to church-its from within not- tangible places like a church but inner peace that allows me to stop focusing on MY problems and turn to silence, meditation and prayer for healing that lets me help others on my journey of life. Life for anyone today, especially without family support, is hard, this is true.

a reporter once asked me how I got through what I survived and still be happy - I told her FAITH never left my mind and I knew God was by my side!"
"I do this everyday.. I wake...with FAITH! "
 Even if I went homeless, had no food, lost my family, I know that time heals ALL wounds and IF you wake the next day....their is hope to find all those things you lost. Only faith can create certainty in hard times!

Even when my brother died I thought the world ended but I found out it actually goes on even when WE hurt or don't' have!!
If I was ever going to lose faith, it would have been when I lost my baby brother who went to all the group homes/foster homes with me his whole life, (I went signed back into another at 18 because of abuse - but we were "family" to each other and I could not imagine life without him) but life still went on...even when I was distraught)

The key is to keep faith when you are at your lowest OR highest, knowing that "this too, shall pass" is the best quote ever for those who have been through something. We are all energy, moving changing, NOTHING stays the same!!!
That is good and that is what allows us to have faith, faith that things will turn around, faith that the evil in the world will be wiped out because of change, (not from us because we know the best revenge for your enemy....outliving them!!!

My foster mom use to say when I was mad at someone that did me wrong) "you don't ever have to get revenge Tan (my nickname she gave me sounds like Taun), just live long enough  and outlive your enemy, that is the best revenge!!"
I got that later in life - if you outlive them, your life and being able to move on to greatness, is the revenge, they did not stop you!!!
IF you are alive you are energy, energy is always moving and can always change....faith...

best advice for those struggling:

Please honor quiet time, God is always speaking to you guiding you but if you are always talking and listening to other noise, you won't hear YOUR message!!
I love being a Quaker for this reason, I learned to listen and spread my light from the message I receive.
We are all here for divine purpose- keep faith at ALL times.
While man is driving us all to a society that pops pills, does not value woman or children, murderous, slanderous and scandalous, know that God and the Universe will have the last say!!
 Don't get caught up in todays News, its all sad and bad, get caught up in having FAITH - that YOU can make a difference in a life, that you can reach out to others, that you are special because God brought you through and will keep bringing you through!!

 Humans think they know everything but if you keep faith in God, or something higher than you, you will see that "this too shall pass" - NOTHING stays the same and each day you wake- you can be better than yesterday!!! I am so grateful to all my blog viewers- help me spread the word faith!!xo

Tanya

 

smile someone is watching you! :)
Save the date May 28th 4-6pm

Groove Theory - Keep Tryin' ft. Sky Larrieux

to my blog family kids - keep trying- never give up!! xo

Pharrell Williams - Happy (1AM)

keep on moving, the storm shall pass

Tanya Cooper

your first week in a group home or foster care?

Life has a way of throwing us ALL a curve ball

Hi blog family!

a lot is on my heart today as I was told I have to have surgery ASAP to see what two black spots/growths are! Yes, I was scared when my doctor said the "C" word - I will not speak it, as it has killed many of our friends family and colleagues! No matter how healthy you try to be by eating and exercising- the C can still pop up out of no where!

As many of you know I had been living in an apartment over 18 years and got sick from the deadly mold! But when I think about it, I am nothing special so I am subject to environmental illness like anyone else!
I look at my friend recently who survived a double mastectomy! My other who went through prostate cancer, and my birth cousin recently succumbing to Cancer.. Ok, I said the word! It is everywhere but I refuse to let it or the possibility of it make me scared to live the life GOD intended for me!

My Curve ball life poem - This is nothing..

I decided that this is nothing for someone whose mother gave me away because of neglect
This is nothing compared to the many times I sat with my siblings so hungry, my stomach still growls!
This is nothing worse than when I found out my two foster brothers were monsters and sexually abused me for years, and then it was covered up, as if I was a hot 9 year old!

This "C" ain't nothing compared to thinking that I had love in my life, (my baby brother that stayed with me all my foster life), and then he died of heart disease on me at 41 !!

This is minor compared to when I was attacked randomly outside of NYU dorms over 25 years ago, before the central park jogger), luckily they could not get my belt off and thanks to my boyfriend at the time lending me that military belt, it saved my life, I was beaten for dead, in a coma, lost two nerves and a tenant in my hand BUT again, this was nothing....

This isn't nothing ...when I look back on when I faced homelessness after this incident, (could not model anymore with a cast on hand that had to be held up for almost a year!) .. not once but twice because I refused to go back to a home that held my abusers-

this is nothing for me to fight, as I have the most wonderful two girls in the world, (lol besides yours for all the moms)
This is nothing to fight for me, a former victim who has a voice, choice and a lot of work to do for foster kids!
Pray for me, pray for each other. Fosters AND adoptees must stand together, as you never know what life will bring in the form of a curve ball BUT if you have support - you can get through anything! I know because I am still here after the storms of life has hit me, (like you ), with MANY curve balls! Know that you have purpose and ALWAYS, even at the last hour, keep FAITH - u cannot live without faith- u will only survive but our goal for 2014 is to LIVE to the fullest!
Save the date for March 28th FREE event! I will post flyer soon and if all goes well, I will be up and running before that!! xo

Tanya

May 28th save the date!!! Foster Care Awareness Month

Hi Blog family!

As I hear many foster and former foster stories I am livid that more is not being done to get our kids out of group homes and into homes!! My partner and I are doing a FREE workshop at the Mount Kisco Public Library May 28th 4-6pm "Intervention for maternal loss and developmental trauma in adoption and foster Care" - Robert Hafetz; American Adoption Congress State Rep & Adoption Education Family Counseling LLC will be our workshop leader and speaker!! He will also do a book signing for his new book - "Not Remembered Never Forgotten" - Refreshments will be served RSVP  tgirlcooper@yahoo,com - If you were ever adopted or wanting to adopt or work with foster and adopted- you don't want to miss this! ITs all about the healing and what you don't know - CAN hurt you or the kids you work with!!!

I am doing the work I was sent to do and I appreciate all the support and love from our community! God has much work for us to do together.  I don't have much but with God I can do anything! I will not let money or  people stop me from doing what I was called to do!
Teach your kids to help others, even when you don't have a lot, if you have a skill, use it! We can change the faces of foster care, one kid at a time!!

Tanya

Taking action when your chips are down

Hi Blog family!
I'm feeling like a Quala Bear today! lol

I was sharing my dream with a friend and they so believed in me, they signed me up for a comedy class i needed to get back in the game! I say all this to say...
its ok to share your dreams, sometimes when you have NO family support, it may be your friends or a stranger that you shared with that will help you achieve!!

Have a great day and know you are special and loved!! Sharing is caring, caring is taking action, taking action...is doing it!!

Go out and do something to get closer to your dream, sign up for a class, ask for help, many scholarships out in this world for many things. Never take no for an answer!! Take action!!!

Save the date May 28th - Mt. Kisco Library - FosterKidsUnite will have speaker Robert Hafetz PHD. doing a workshop and book signing!!!! I will share the topic by next week. Adoption and Foster care - healing from Trauma - you don't want to miss this!!

Tanya

Happy Valentines Day thanks for the love

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY BLOG FAMILY!!!

I am hoping you are all well. I have been a busy girl planning another free event for May National Foster Care Awareness Month! Save the end of the month for us. This year we have speaker PhD. Robert Hafetz doing a one hour workshop and speaking on : "Interventions for Maternal Loss and Developmental Trauma in Adoption and Foster Care"
I WILL LET YOU KNOW WHEN I HAVE A SOLID DATE, IT WILL BE AT THE MOUNT KISCO PUBLIC LIBRARY AGAIN!!

One person at a time we will reach one foster kid, teach those who work with foster and adoptee's and teach them all to PAY IT FORWARD - THIS IS THE ONLY WAY TO ADD MORE LOVE IN THIS WORLD BY HELPING OTHERS!

FosterKidsUnite with the help of St. Joseph's Seniors, was able to provide 10 gift boxes to aged out foster kids in college!!
THANK YOU ST. JOSEPH SENIORS!! YOU ARE DOING AMAZING WORK AND WE ALL THANK YOU, SOMEONE WILL HAVE A BETTER LIFE BECAUSE YOU TOOK TIME!!XO

TANYA

your first week in a group home or foster care?

New Beginnings

Hi blog family!

life is moving so fast, I often feel like I'm in a race!! No worries, I am able to keep up, even if I lag behind, I will catch up! Do you ever feel like your on a spinning wheel, your the RAT, that keeps running in circles? Welcome to the club! lol

I want you to go into the new year knowing that WE SHALL OVERCOME!!!!! Dr. King must have been psychic as he said In this quote -  a truth that all older people seem to know. I know life is stressful, at times tedious, grueling, cruel and occasionally sprinkled with wonderful, peaceful and loving....NOT...lol but all things pass in time! No matter how bad today, IF you start again and live, all things pass!!
The New Year is about bringing forth all of your DREAMS, wiping old Slates away, getting rid of negative energy, (people, places and thangs...yes, I said thangs for things) :) - keep in mind I am a comedian, I can laugh at ANYTHING - yes, I have foster care jokes too!!!  for the new year learn to laugh and be the best you can be - you come from the greatest stock in the world - xo Tanya

E.L.L.I.S. BOYZ TALKS ABOUT NEW SINGLE / R&B GROUP ALLURE TALKS ABOUT ALBUM