your word is your bond

Hi Blog family!

I know, its been a minute, or two, or three, ok its been months! I am a comedian and sometimes, I have to share a laugh.
The Fundraiser Nov 4th was a success, many thanks to our sponsors, donors, Board members, interns Tatiana and Quiana and our volunteers; Esteban and Nicole and over 81 of you who came out to support our auction and comedy night fundraiser! Success!

 I am happy to report, I have been working hard with my board members to get donors so that we can provide gift boxes in December and scholarships in May!

Let me say when I first came to my little town after living in Brooklyn..in my home then group home/orphanage (they did not call them group homes in the 60's...)

I went from people that looked like me, to people that looked more like my grandpa! Lucky for me I didn't know what racism was, nor would I have cared, as I treated you, how you treated me, no color asked..(lol) to make a LONG story short, I LOVE my town! When each of us reach out for help, we silently go by an honor code.
When I asked former school mates to help me with items for gift boxes, they gave, when I asked them for donations, they gave, and without question! Why? Character.
This is a trait we build early on. Even as a kid I never lied, stole or hurt people (sadly, a few people tried it when I was a early teen..and they had to find out Brooklyn still was stored within)...of course this was before the Quaker days!!
But seriously, when you are honest with people it adds up when you really need help. I thank God for my foster mother, and my mother, although I think I was an odd child, in that I never got in trouble, in fact, I ran from trouble or I would talk trouble out of a bad plan.

But I want you to always tell the truth, even if it hurts, as one day, you may need something from your community; for yourself, OR to help others in need and when they look back on your track record of integrity, honor and kindness, they will help because they know you will do what you said you would do. Your word is your Bond, (don't act like you never heard that before) lol
Remember what you do today, may help you tomorrow!
Be Kind, be loving, be strong in this chaotic world. Just because everyone is going crazy, don't mean you have to join them!! Happy Turkey and Holidays to you and your family and if your like me and don't have one, happy holidays to YOU, honor and celebrate your life, as it is special and with great meaning and purpose- to help others! xoxo

Tanya
FosterKidsUnite, Inc.
FosterKidsUniteInc@gmail.com
Twitter/FB/LinkedIn FosterKidsUnite, Inc.

Foster Care 101: Foster Children and Birthdays

learning to say thank you

Learning to say thank you for a little or alot

Hi blog family!
Life is racing! Summer is over but it has been relaxing and at least I am completing goals! This week I witnessed a young person receiving a gift from a stranger, instead of saying thank you, he asked: "since there is extra, can I have this also?" RUDE!! if someone is helping you with rent, books, clothes, food or just lending you an ear so you could vent, BE GRATEFUL!! no one HAS to help you BUT you and your guardian! No one is responsible for you, so IF they reach out to help you not only do you NOT ask for more, but please SAY THANK YOU!! I CANNOT tell you how many times people have went out of their way to help a person in need, and they NEVER sent a thank you note or a phone call. Don't wonder why they don't help again, know this: EVERYONE wants to be appreciated!!! No awards, just appreciated, knowing that you cared that someone helped. Say thank you often and ask for less.

Save the date: November 4th
FosterKidsUnite Inc first  Comedy night fundraiser at MTK!! $10 (suggested donation); 50/50 raffle & Chinese auction).

*we are a 501c3 looking for sponsors so please contact us if you have items for auction or you would like to contribute to our cause!
contact: 914-646-4638
or FosterKidsUniteInc@gmail.com

I wanted say to those who grew up without parents to always have GRATITUDE, you can never have if you don't appreciate what you have. At some point we have to take responsibility for our own actions. Now that you aged out, it is you, not a knight and shinning armor, that will rescue you, YOU are the HERO and the VILLIAN in your own destiny! What do I mean? We make choices to

be winners or dwellers, those are people that are just here, doing nothing with the talent and gifts God left them. Look above at the pictures, our ancestors died, enslaved, raped, beaten, tortured, mind control so that YOU could have a BETTER LIFE!!! Do you repay them by not rising to your greatness? Learn to step out of yourself and be grateful for anything you receive;; life, health, family, friends, friend, be grateful, it leads to other blessings! Don't hold other people hostage for your misery, take control of YOUR life Be grateful, humble and never ask for more when someone has reached into their pocket to help you, maybe they wanted to save the rest for someone else....xo

smile, God is watching you!

 

SAVE THE DATE: NOVEMBER 4TH 7PM MTK-

MOUNT KISCO, NY

COMEDY NIGHT FUNDRAISER

(CHECK US ON; FB, TWITTER & LINKIN

FOSTERKIDSUNITE, INC.

www.fosterkidsunite.org (please donate

we are a non profit 501c3

"providing non traditional services to aged out foster youth seeking higher education"

your first week in a group home or foster care?

keep on moving, the storm shall pass

keep on moving, the storm shall pass

your first week in a group home or foster care?

Hi Blog family!



I have been caught up in whirlwind of life! I hope my college kids are enjoying summer. Congrats to my two ladies who got into grad school!! We are blessed that we gave 18 gift boxes this year! 6 Scholarships!! We are working on ideas for fundraisers. 

I am repeating this video for my first time group home youth- pay attention! This is for you! Please share with ANY kid that is put into a new place without parents!

please email me if you have ANY questions, we are here for you and for those that work with youth, please have them read the blog, I only write to save or change a life!

I hope to update videos soon!

Stay well and keep peace in your life and a higher power! You are amazing and needed xo

Tanya

where the dads at?

Hi blog family!

*first I would like to say R.I.P to Mrs. Mary Ellen McKee.
Since I came to my town at 7 years old, I remember the lady who always had kind words and positive things to say.
It is important to always smile when your around children, not just foster, you never know what impact your smile will have on that child.
Ms.. McKee had a great impact on me, teaching my brother and I tennis, being a mentor and a friend whom I respected like a grandmother, I salute you Ms. McKee and thank you for years of service helping all kids at St. Marks, Fox Lane and The Boys & Girls Club Of Northern Westchester!

May 21, 2015 event

Thank you to all those that made it possible for our foster youth to stay focused while seeking higher education!
The Reality of Aging Out panel was a success!
 Thank you for your thoughts on our having Brandy Tulo-Lang Sacapanio, Donna Maddox and Tanya Cooper share personal experiences on the day they aged out and leaving our youth with hope and advice on how to aged out gracefully!

One of the audience members and I had a discussion on something missing when we talk of foster youth. Quite often when we hear of kids being confiscated from the home and put into foster care everyone ask where was mom? I ask, where was the dad? Why is the woman left holding the future, raising the future and if a life event happens, mother is held responsible.
I often wondered why my birth father never came to see me or claim me. I didn't think of him long, in fact it was only for a minute when I knew my other friends had a dad and at that time I didn't. I thought maybe the "stork" dropped me off  and God was playing a trick on me. Surely someone would come and claim me? I never was claimed by mom or dad.

I was fortunate enough to have a dad as my mom met and married my foster father when I was around 9? (lol I would have to verify date with a foster brother). Mr. D was the only dad that claimed me as his daughter and I was ok with that as he was the best dad I could or would ever have!
I remember taking journeys on the back roads of Bedford, sneaking to get ice cream treats when I was good (which was most of the time).
While dad was not much for words he often told me how smart and beautiful I was and never allowed me to think otherwise. He never called me his "foster" daughter, just, my daughter. We had the best time visiting his sister in White Plains, she always had food waiting for us and plenty of room to run around her home!
I had a great respect for my dad but an even greater one after I had kids. I wondered how a man that had to take time to know my mom and her foster and adopted kids, found space in his heart to know and love us like his own and yet, my own dad never tried to find me or verify that I was his. Some of my birth cousins know him, so I know he knows I exist, besides my foster care records list him in writing as my dad. I was looking for A. Evans from Long Island, but then recently I had a change of heart, why look for a man who never took time to look for me.
 I had a dad, who loved me, never denied me and always made me feel special. Why not be ok with what I had, I was blessed to have him. A total stranger that claimed me, loved me and died telling me that he was proud of me, what more could a foster girl ask for?

When we think of kids in foster care and how they got there don't just think of the mother being on drugs, neglect & abandonment, think of the father who also helped make that child.

When you see a mother struggling and barely making it, also think of the father, who does not pay child support.
 when you see a mother give up, not because she does not love her kids, because she has no love in her life and no support, think of the father.
Perhaps she made the wrong choice, perhaps she should have never gave up but remember she did give birth
 perhaps men need to step up their game, especially when mom cant be a mother after doing the hardest part - GIVING BIRTH! I love my birth mom and I understand why she could not care for us and I respect her for allowing someone else to raise us with love, respect and honor.

Special shout to all the dads, single dads who have custody of their kids and are doing all they can to raise healthy kids-clearly this is not for you.

Smile, someone is watching you xo

T


 

Foster Care Awareness Month thank you

hi Blog family!

 Donna Maddox, Tanya Cooper & Brandy Tulo-Lang Sacapanio 2015

Mount kisco Mayor Michael Cindrich & Brandy Tulo-Lang Sacapanio recieving "Citizen Of Change" award May 21, 2015

Tanya and Robert Cooper after foster care, this is how I honor my brother, R.I.P Coop June 10, 2009 he died from heart disease  July 22 is his birthday

Thank you to all our kind donors who not only gave money but took the time to see what our youth needed! We are now officially a 501c3! None of our staff take a salary, including me! 

I have never been so proud to be a Fox Lane High student, as these last few years reconnecting at reunions and finding my 
board members: 
Megan Castellano, (my co founding partner who helped me start FosterKidsUnite, Inc. 
Sara Amuso 
Judy Fazzinga 
and Iris Carvahlo
 i have been so blessed to have talented woman on board and a great man who helps us with our website, Dave L - we thank you!
We also thank you Mayor Michael Cindrich for always supporting foster youth in our area! We also thank The Examiner News paper for sending Laura to interview us! 

i will share an article about our event in the future, (when i scan..)
 but first i must say "The Reality Of Aging Out" Panel was a success! We got rave reviews from many people, 4th year attenders said the panel was "amazing", "informative" and "enlightening"!

* Thank you Brandy Tulo-Lang, Donna Maddox & Moi!! (lol)for not only sharing your story but delivering a message of hope to our foster and aged out youth! 

Agency's often hire fancy speakers but who else can tell a story but those who went through it?
 When it comes to foster care, foster and former fosters should be the ones they call on to bring a message, as we lived it! I hope fosters start delivering and sharing their own message as independent speakers, many have stories.
The food was phenomenal, as always Bedford Hills Diner, Mount Kisco Dinner, Salsa Fresca and bellizzi!!
we gave away two scholarships this year instead of winners receiving they received $500 each and our honorable mentions, because of kind donors, received $200 a piece! 
We are blessed! 
Yes, i had a message today but short...lol
whatever you dream, dream it big! Nothing God can't do! If you have faith and take action WHEN you can, anything GOOD can happen in your life, at any moment, IF you have faith and perseverance! 
I always felt left out as a foster kid, even now i am surrounded by many people but at times a sense of loneliness hovers over me, I can not only admit this today, but i am ok and realize i am never alone. All through my life, neglect, abandonment and abuse, God has always held my hand and comforted me, that is why i am standing (in good mind) today! No matter what you are going though, keep faith and never take no for an answer when it comes to you. Don't allow others to treat you like 2nd best.

May 21 2015 Mount Kisco Public Library The Reality of Aging out panel

hey blog family!

when you fall down, get back up again and again, eventually- u will learn to fall gracefully OR learn to get up after each fall!

Take ownership when you fall down, that is the important to know that you COULD have done better
TRY AGAIN, giving up not an option!

I hope to see some of you
Time: Thursday 4:30
 Where: Mount Kisco Library-100 East Main St,
Mount Kisco, NY 10549

* this is a FREE event to raise awareness on foster care issues. *

 I honor my deceased brother who grew up with me in foster care but died of heart disease at 41 6 years ago!
 This year we have "The Reality Of Aging Out Panel" - 3 former fosters: Donna, Brandy & Tanya  will share the experience the day they aged out of foster care!
*First audience member seated receives a free hand crafted piece of jewelry! *refreshments for attendees after
**RSVP FosterKidsUniteInc@gmail.com 
we are on FB FosterKidsUnite, Inc group

MAY 21 MOUNT KISCO PUBLIC LIBRARY FREE EVENT

 Hi blog family!
so much going on but nothing as important as National Foster Care Awareness Month! Yes, that zip is incorrect its 10549, it has been corrected and the most important part, you know that we would love to see you! Free food after and first attender receives a hand crafted piece of jewelry!

National Foster Care Awareness Month

Hi blog family!

The Reality of Aging out Panel will be sharing personal stories on the day they aged out, please join us. It is not too often you get 3 former fosters and an adoptee in one room to share! This is our 4th year raising awareness in Westchester. Thanks to our kind donors, we hope to honor 6 young people that are in or on their way to  school!

We will also honor those who work with foster or adopted youth in some capacity. We need your help, all you have to do is RSVP FosterKidsUnite.org or join FosterKidsUnite, Inc on Face book! We want to fill that room to capacity so come out and lets celebrate our youth that are trying to make it without parents. We want them to know they have a great community on their side!

Remember: Sometimes our parents are only a VEHICLE to get us here, we have to do the work and let others lead us to our greatness! You are not defined by your current event but your future outcome!

May 21st- lets fill the room! Don't forget to purchase (amazon) a book for a foster youth, all proceeds go to FosterKidsUnite, Inc. We are a not for profit providing non traditional services to aged out fosters in or going to college
www.fosterkidsunite.org

 

sad times can be made into great lessons

Hi blog family!



Happy Easter to you all, I pray that you are all safe, well and with health &  LOVE, the greatest gift on earth!


We are working hard for our event May 21st at The Mount Kisco Public Library 4:30-6pm and we are working on our event flyer!

Our panel: Brandy, Tanya, Donna & Robert will Discuss the day they aged out: The Reality of Aging out" panel and Robert Hafetz will end our panel with thoughts on how we can help foster and adopted children!

Free event- refreshments for guest after! First seated at 4:30pm wins earrings or bracelet crafted by Tanya!
* Our goal to help with scholarships this year $2,000 please see our site to donate to our foster youth in college. This is work you often do not see until much later when people like me come back and help others. Even if you can only send $1 it adds up! Unless requested I will mention each donor in our event program as a thanks! Businesses that make a donation of $20 or more we will list your business!

THOUGHT OF THE DAY:
Sad times come for all of us at some time in our life IF we live long enough. No person is without this sadness that comes more so to those with trauma, abandonment, neglect and abuse issues. No worries, you are human! God NEVER gives you more than you can handle IF you handle...your past.

Try to sit each day and write down things that are good bad and lovely in your past. By 30 years old whatever haunted you from childhood should have been talked about, discussed and put into your mental Louis Vuitton Luggage by now! IF you have not...it may continue to haunt you, making you feel sadder than usual, depressed. Talk to a professional IF you think the issue is causing you to hurt yourself or others OR isolate and be alone MOST of the time.

We all go though ruff times, don't let it get the best of you. When people are negative, when you have past issues that keep coming up in daily relationships or work...work on them and through them DON"T ignore them!! Write it down IF you don't have money for therapy or you may not truest anyone, its ok, but you have to process!!
We all have down days, but you must always get back up brush yourself off and keep moving forward with life. We only get one we can remember...lol (unless u believe in past life)...I never remember mine!! You deserve a great life, great friends, great job but YOU have to go after it with vigor, love and determination to never settle and perseverance to get through life free of any guilt! You are a winner as God made you..(ok for those who may not believe)..YOUR parents, even if they gave us away.....you are alive, that means God, the universe has great need for you and a message you must share to help others!
Write in your journals daily
Meditate daily
pray daily
LOVE daily...if you have love in your heart, all problems dissolve and don't seem so bad because LOVE takes over and even pain, death, sorrow can turn into a lesson to help others. Remember, this life is not about YOU, its about US. Stay strong stay positive, stay with us, as we need you....sad times, has great lessons!

Tanya

Sam Smith - Lay Me Down (Red Nose Day 2015) ft. John Legend

hi blog family!



I dedicate this version to all those who went thru and going thru life challenges without family. Remember we all have a force guiding and loving us to be our best- remember only that when you are in despair and you will be ok! You are made in Gods likeness, meaning you are divine and meant to be- make your ancestors proud by choosing to start a new fulfilling life, even with challenges and all!! xo

T

save the date: May 21st our annual scholarship event!! flyer soon

check our new web page, (still in progress and we are still waiting for our IRS response..lol u know that could take 90 days!!) but we have time! God is good and nothing will stop my work until my last breath, as it is my mission to help those aged out!

finding your thank you

Hi blog family!

What a month and my how time fly's when the snow is around!

Wanted to share with you today: Finding your thank you!

Often we look for blessings and we never said thank you for what we have in the moment! Learning to be grateful for what you have now, is crucial IF you are to get more.

I heard a girl complaining about what she does not have and why things are not great, she wanted everyone to "give" to her needs, not knowing we all have needs!

 Sometimes we get so caught up in negative language and thought and we forget to be thankful and grateful for whatever we have in our life now, missing our blessings.
Looking for thank you is not that hard, silence and observation, knowing you are still alive, not only breathing but able to process what I am writing - all major blessings!

Be grateful for today and what you have in the moment,  If you have health you can always get money.  IF you are thankful and listen to the universe you find peace and in peace you find your thank you and your blessing!

:)
T
FosterKidsUnite, Inc.
*we are still waiting for our 501c3 status
www.fosterkidsunite.org
 

On The Town with Tanya Cooper

You all know my first idea to help fosters was to have my own late night tv since I was 12 and saw Johnny Carson! follow your dreams even if they don't start off shinning- keep moving forward the sun has to come out! xo

You've Got The Dirtee Love - Dizzee Rascal ft Florence and the Machine (...

we have all had these days, but keep going, things get better IF YOU take action to make change! Small steps lead to big steps and NEVER give up!!



Tanya

* we are working on our website and save the date: May 21st 4:30-6pm at The Mount Kisco Public Library 2nd floor celebrate National Foster Care Awareness Month with us as we honor my brother who grew up with me in foster care all my life and he died 6 years ago. We will give the Robert Cooper Memorial Scholarship and honor those who help foster kids! Free event

 topic: The Reality of Aging Out" a panel 4 former fosters who are now adults and giving back to foster youth 3 will share their aging out story and one will share how we as a community can help those in care in our area! Information is everything!

Michael Bublé - Home [Official Music Video]

Cold feet, keeping in all together & Moving forward with life

Hi blog family!

hope your all staying warm! For those who don't have classes, I hope you are taking advantage of this off time by reading your assignments, (yes I said read), hanging with good friends who are going places, (and not wanting to "light up" all day...yes, I said that..i hope your writing down goals and checking off all you complete!


At times life can be hard for any of us and we want to get cold feet and back out of life...(not be fully HERE, in the moment).
 For fosters, especially those without any support, there are times when it seems like things will fall apart and you just don't want to try anymore!

I am hear to tell you, ALL things pass, (I like to say all things past), as whatever problem you have today, whatever person place situation is troubling you, eventually IF you stay around and ride through the storm, it will be a part of your past!
Even if you were abused, neglected, no matter -  IF you OUT LIVE the problem, (meaning you NEVER give up by moving mentally forward EVERY day, no matter what) - it will pass and be in your past! You will get courage to say no say yes, move forward, move on, move ahead! MOVE and keep on moving, (soul to soul)

If you would have told me almost 6 years ago that I would survive my baby brothers death, I would have said no way! But because I kept faith and remained true to a saying my brother and I started when we were in a group home, "We NEVER give up", I am not only here but doing what I can to help other fosters by turning my pain into a source of hope for others! I kept it MOVING....

You must remember ALL humans go through something and anything you go through means you made it and are living, therefore, you can be an inspiration to others!

Stay focused on being the best you, enjoying THIS life and helping others once you achieve a stable life. You don't have to be rich (lol Prince) just grateful and willing to help when YOU can with what YOU have, this is how I kept it all together, by helping others, taking the focus off of my pain.

Often we get caught up in "I" and forget "WHY" WE are here, never forget you owe your ancestors to find YOUR greatness.
Not everyone will be a celebrity and in reality that is all an illusion and distraction from our real purpose in this life....to help others! No money, fame or person can help you achieve the greatest gift God has given us, to RISE and HELP OTHERS! Be Grateful, be kind...be you xo

Smile, someone is watching you...and they may learn from your kindness! :)
T
*any questions? FosterKidsUniteInc@gmail.com
* SOCIAL WORKERS * FOSTER CARE AGENCIES *FAMILY COURT *FOSTER PARENTS WITH AGING OUT YOUTH ABOUT TO GO TO COLLEGE OR TRADE SCHOOL * AGED OUT FOSTERS WHO ARE AT COLLEGE

* NY youth who can attend our event May 21st At the Mount Kisco Public Library 4:30-6pm please social workers etc.. email us so we can send you the Robert Cooper Memorial Scholarship application due back by April 31st

 

they are wrong Lira - Something Inside So Strong (Acoustic)

hi blog family!



I found this singer by accident but this song sums up a winner, even when others think you wont be much or think you have no value as a people OR a person....you are a winner! Your still standing after abandonment- nothing to do but move up and show them what you are made of- God made all of us strong! :)

Tanya

how you feel today Lira - "Feel Good"

hi blog family!

sharing Lira's music because this is how you should be thinking each day you are blessed to wake! New chances New People, new places and a chance to start living your best life!

See life not as a challenge but as a chance each day you wake to enjoy ALL the world has- NOTHING is out of reach! Ask Nelson Mandela, Dr. Kings, Mother Teressa, Ghandi, and all our ancestors who survived slavery, famine and Holocaust! Nothing is perfect and only YOU can make it right! Enjoy your day in love peace smiles and happiness!



Tanya

Jobs | Supportive Housing Network of New York

looking for work? Hey blog family! check out this website for housing and jobs in NY- a lot of resources IF you LOOK for them online!! No excuse to be mediocre when greatness is your destiny! :)



As I gear up for the 50th bday, I thank God for bringing me, the child of an addict and alcoholic, this far! I thank him for bringing me through abandonment, neglect, abuse and my self pity, I thank him for all of you who are fosters, were fosters or work with fosters, we are all connected and I am grateful!



Hope you are writing down all your goals and making friends and contacts who can help you take your game to the next level!

If your in NY and want to apply for The Robert Cooper Memorial Scholarship email us: FosterKidsUniteInc@gmail.com




Jobs | Supportive Housing Network of New York

Getting to the real you

Hi blog family!

hope your well and living your best life!

As I set out to complete my goals for 2015, I often wonder how many foster and former fosters ever reach their full potential? How many ever get to the real person they are?

As of today you are!
Ask yourself:
 what was I born to do
 who am I
 why am I hear?
NO self judgment, just observe what defenses come up, ("I don't know") OR what gifts you have that come to your thoughts, (singer, writer, artist, organizer, healer etc)
* these are all gifts that will help you reach YOUR full potential.
* You are like NO other on earth and God gave you ALL the tools you need to get started to greatness!
***ACTION is all that is required!****

How do I take action?

You must learn to write down ALL your goals, small and large..if you can't SEE it, you can't believe it!
Writing down goals help you see what your doing and stay on track!
I promise you writing down your goals ALWAYS produces real results!

 For instance, I wrote down that I wanted to have my own late night talk show, be a comedian and perform at a known comedy club like Gotham.
I now host a cable show, (On The Town, interviewing comedians & other talented people in NY), (late night takes time, I am patient), lol and I have performed at Gotham Comedy Club, The Metropolitan Room and Caroline's since writing those goals down!

I could just give up but I don't because I know this is what I was born to do and doing standup comedy is the best way to make that happen! Since I first saw Carol Burnett and Johnny Carson, I knew I wanted to make people laugh and interview all Entertainment- this way I thought at 12 if everyone knew who I was, they would help me help more foster kids!

first thing I did was take a class to make sure I had the right skills to write jokes  IF I did not have the money for a class I would have went on www.Badslava.com and found out where open mics are, open mics are spots, Usually bars), that comics go practice in by singing up and getting 4-8 minutes on stage to practice their jokes.
I made a commitment to go to open mics at least 3x a week but I know a great comedian goes out every night!
If you have a goal, write it down and see what you need and who you need to talk to too find out how to get to the goal. Sometimes you have to stay up later than others writing or singing or whatever your skill but that persistence to be the best at what you do and never giving up is what will lead you to your greatness.
Get to writing!xo
T

saying thank you gratitude is everything

Hi blog family!

hope you are all well and have made your New Years resolutions in writing, on paper!

Wanted to chat a minute about thank you.

I thank the college youth that sent out thank you letters after receiving their gift boxes for the holidays!
There are some who still have not sent thank you self addressed stamp envelope back! I do not write this to put them on blast BUT to inform ALL foster youth: When someone, anyone, takes time or money out of their pocket to help you without asking for anything but a thank you to donors...DO IT!!
Your thank you may be the difference on other donors helping! Thanks to our Board member Sara and her spreading the word and my friends, we were able to provide 18 gift boxes this year! We might have had more if kids from last year would have sent a thank you, some from a local college never sent a thank you- which I think effected who from last year helped.

While I never do this work expecting a thank you MANY people who do give, especially when they had to choose WHO to give to, want to hear a thank you!

I ask for social workers and counselors to PLEASE teach our foster youth to say thank you in a letter or email and why it is crucial! I was surprised that a counselor would not follow through with their youth saying thank you for gift boxes. I understand some kids feel they are owed OR they don't think it matters to say thank you, I am telling you now, thank you could mean less or more help for you in the future. No one wants to feel unappreciated and remember many donors were NOT foster youth so they don't understand how we don't think its no big deal, I am telling you it IS always a big deal when ANYONE who is honest and wants nothing back, helps you!!! YOU MUST SAY THANK you so that you do not ruin it for other kids after you!

I got a nice video thank you from a young man who is a talented dancer, in fact, I have not been that excited about dancing since Michael Jackson! (yes, he and his friends are that talented!). I also got a beautiful letter from one of our graduates- much thanks to you! We also got a few other short thank you letters/notes/card. Just remember when you say thank you to donors PLEASE give us a little detail of how the items helped you if you cant think of what to say...People want to know where their money is going and you don't EVER have to give your name IF you don't choose to, I totally respect that BUT you can give a paragraph of why or how something helped you.
If we want donors to help we must be mindful that sharing your story or why something helped you, (no name details needed), is crucial for others helping us help you!

xo
smile, someone is watching you! :)
T
*if you need to reach us or would like a Robert Cooper Memorial Scholarship Application please email: FosterKidsUniteInc@gmail.com

Legally Kidnapped: Former foster children too often end up on welfare...

Legally Kidnapped: Former foster children too often end up on welfare...: Former foster children too often end up on welfare in B.C.: report There has been little improvement in the dire outcomes experienced by c...



Hi Blog family!

sharing from Legally Kidnapped - this info is no surprise as we often don't have family to turn to and if we do find family, often they are of no resourceful use to us if they are on drugs, in jail or on public assistance.



Starting as early as 3rd grade teaching foster youth, especially those in group homes/orphanages to set their life up for success. Good grades, college or trade school, linking in with friends and people that will help them when they don't know what to do about basic life issues; saving money, opening a bank account, building credit, why higher education is vital, all of these things are taught by a good parent, if we don't have one or both, how is this info going to be taught, processed and then carried out with daily small steps?



Don't beat yourself up if your one of many who needed some form of public assistance, section 8 or medical insurance.  Many look down on those that need help BUT they are not in your shoes, can never walk in your shoes and would probably have died IF they had to wear your shoes!! lol Atleast you are still standing and figuring out how to make your life better and more productive!

For the new year, I hope each of you take out paper and pen and write down your long term goals, (example: learn how to edit on final cut pro)..and short term goal; find free final cut pro classes, youtube how to do final cut pro or call the local community college and see if they offer the class, how much and are there scholarships. (You would be surprised how many scholarships, (money you don't have to pay back) are out there! If you live in Westchester County, NY Jacob Burns has film editing classes and many other film related courses AND they offer scholarships if you show financial hardship! DO YOUR RESEARCH!! if you want to learn a new skill or go to school, find a social worker or counselor at any local school and ask them what you need to do, but do something to assure you have a better future.



Life is always bringing challenges, its how we deal with them that matters! Face each challenge head on and IF you need government help, do what you have to to eat, breath and stay alive and warm, its cold out there!! PLAN for your future today- write down what you want, how you can get it, who can help you get closer to it and what YOU need to do to make it happen- YOU are your only HERO in the game of life, don't be scared be excited that you have been granted another day of life, if your reading this blog life can't be that bad, as you have internet! :) Be grateful, stay humble and stay hungry for more and to be a better you!

And tomorrow, the sun also rises, this too shall pass and you will look back and say, I never gave up" T

xo



Tanya

You Got The Dirtee Love (Live at The BRIT Awards 2010)uplifting song

hey blog family!



just sending a song of inspiration. we all have days when we feel down or we have self doubt- that is normal but staying in it, is not!

find a song that inspires or motivates you out of sadness- free on youtube! Always refer back to that song when things seem hard.

I hope you are all having a great new year!

We were able to help 18 aged out/fosters  this gift box season! Many thanks to our donors who worked hard to get items into those boxes!

We congratulate Mercy, as she has graduated and is now applying to grad school! Go girl! Remember only 6% finish college- they say but FosterKidsUnite, Inc. hopes by helping those in school we see them through hard times, therefore making it more probable that each of our kids complete their degree.

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



Please save the end of May for our yearly awareness event!



*Thank you to our Board members, Iris, Megan *a special thanks to Judy and Sara.

*To Sara's friends, co-workers and neighbors who donated: THANK YOU!!!

*To my comic friends  Maryelle Turner, Erin Vacarellie also earring designer, Kacey Petre and clothing designer John for donating lovely shirts for our guys and earrings for our girls!