Aging out where do we go from here

Hi blog family!

We have been busy trying to help more of our aged out fosters! Life goes on, even when we are busy!

Many of you don't know all of my story of when I aged out!
Not only will you get a chance to read about it in my new book this summer but you will hear stories by three friends from our,  "Aged Out Panel" ; author of 'Garbage Bag Suitcase", (Mission Point Press), Shenandoah Chefalo will be available for book signing, Donna Maddox and myself. This is a FREE event to the public, (refreshments) at the Mount Kisco Public Library May 26th 5:30pm

Come learn how to overcome "plastic bag" trauma AND solutions to aging out gracefully!

When we aged out, you should be excited and eager but often that is not the case. Uncertainty and doubt does not have to plague you after foster care, take back your life and change your fate!
Smile, someone is watching you!

"Smile, someone is watching you" - Tanya

save the date May 26th and May 11th

hi blog family!

I know lots going on!!

FosterKidsUnite, Inc. would first like to say a big**
RIP to Jr., a great man who supported our foster youth! You will be missed and I am thankful for knowing you.

*RIP Garry Shanding!!

We will be having our 2nd comedy night fundraiser May 11th to raise money for scholarships for our aged out foster youth! Please come out to MTK in Mt. Kisco, NY and support 7pm - Comics lined up: #Dennis Ross #Rhonda Handsome #Johnny Figero #Kevin McGee #Jay Silverberg, ( and a couple on standby)....its comedy, you never know!

Please be kind to everyone you meet, you never know the state of mind they nor their body are in. We as a world are going through lots of trauma like Brussels. People react differently to stress and fear; homicide, suicide, addictions etc.. BE KIND, it never hurts to say a kind word OR walk away from a bad one!
Each day we wake without family is very hard BUT sending out good karma sends you the people you need in your life to get through each day...FRIENDS!! If I had a takeaway, it would be, smile and be kind to EVERYONE you meet, as you never know how good or bad they are feeling, what they are going through; cancer, suicide, sickness etc.. YOU may be the ONE person, that saves or changes their life and in return, they save or change a life!!! PAY IT FORWARD by being kind, it cost nothing! xoxo

Foster Care 101: Helping Foster Teens as they Age Out.

FosterKidsUnite advice

X Ambassadors - Unsteady Guitar Center Sessions on DIRECTV

If I had to choose a song that represented how I felt the day my mother gave us away and never came back, this would be the song, it speaks my heart. I am well with my soul now so I can enjoy the sorrow because I made it through. Many of you are just realizing mom or dad may not ever come back for us, but we can still have joy and love in our hearts once we realize, this life journey is full of lessons, hurt, love and we can make it through anything IF we accept that sometimes, our parents are only a vehicle to get us here xo

Stay positive, focused and keep love in your heart, even when it doesn't seem to be available, its there keep open to the many forms it will come in



Tanya

Ray LaMontagne - Trouble (Live Acoustic)

when I want to change my mood, I put on music, it is a cure for loneliness & any other ailments of the soul. A song is only as sad as you make it. This song picks me back up after a stressful day. We all have life challenges, no one is immune, how you pick back up, will be what matters xo



Smile, someone is watching you! God loves you so much he wants you to go out and do great positive things to save or change a life!!

Don't wallow in your mess, get up get out and help somebody and honor Dr. King and all those who died for us Americans to have freedom of speech and freedom to move! Do something to help others no matter their color, religion or sex, be kind to ALL people and you will be blessed! xo

Tanya

Feb 2nd is our fundraiser at Mount Kisco Applebee''s email us for a flyer and bring and give to your server and help us earn 10% and help our aged out foster youth with scholarships in MAY!!!

www.fosterkidsunite.org

Oprah Winfrey: "THIS IS GONNA SHUT YOUR MOUTH"

One Woman's Foster Care Story - A Magnificent Interview

(Sisters ONLY) My story in Foster Care as a child

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
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