Bonus Babies

Jayne Amelia Larson

The BONUS BABIES podcast is the only one of its kind that features the compelling true-life hard-hitting stories of those with a lived foster care experience and the people who care for them––all via the unique 360* lens of a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer. Through raw first-hand accounts, BONUS BABIES reveals the daunting complexity of the foster care world while documenting the challenges, failures and successes of the system as well as the people and the agencies involved. The creator and host, Jayne Amelia Larson, is a CASA - a Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteer for youth in foster care. In the same way a CASA works, she explores all things in the foster care maze by talking to kids, parents, caregivers, attorneys, social workers, therapists, adoptees, adoptive parents, members of community and social programs...anybody and everybody who will speak to her to keep the conversation open and the information flowing about all things CASA––to give a forum to help people understand what it's like to have a lived foster care experience. Original music by Christina Apostolopoulos. Emma Karpman is our Social Media Manager. Audio engineering and mixing by Adam "Yukon" Harr of Blue Oak Mastering. Executive Producer is Jake Eberle. Cover art by John Crowther. read less
Society & CultureSociety & Culture

Season 3

Elle Fox: It's So Worth It Even With The Pain That You Feel At The End
May 12 2023
Elle Fox: It's So Worth It Even With The Pain That You Feel At The End
Send us a textJayne Amelia speaks with artist and foster sibling, Elle Fox. Elle, a high school student, has been sketching for as long as she can remember. Growing up in a family that fostered children, Elle draws on her experience of life, love, and loss while sharing her heart and home for a period of time with numerous babies and children. As an author, illustrator, and entrepreneur, Elle launched Elle Fox Art to showcase her illustrations and share the aspects of life that Inspire her. "Hello, I'm Elle Fox and I love to create! I first declared my passion for making art at the age of three, then at five I received my first sketchbook and decided to become an artist! Since then, I've been busy developing my skills in various mediums and cultivating my own artistic perspective. ​I was born in Buffalo, NY but moved to South Australia after preschool, where my experiences at the beach, markets, parks, and art classes inspired me to draw. I've always been ambitious, and with the influence of my grandmother and various other mentors, I decided early on that I would be an art teacher. When I was eight, my family relocated to the Philadelphia area and we welcomed the first of many foster children into our home the following year. The subject matter of many of my projects has been greatly influenced by the children that we've known and loved; they always seem to find their way into the meaning, story, or purpose of my art. Family is vitally important to me, and mine has enormously supported my creativity and allowed me to grow far more than I could have on my own.  Over the years, I have experimented greatly with how to share my work when I stumbled across an idea for a children's book that I couldn't let go to waste. Now, thanks to the goodness of God and the amazing people who've helped me along the way, I have been able to fully embrace this medium of storytelling."ellefoxart.comIG @ellefoxartMeatball and Little Birdie available on Amazon and elsewhere.See bonusbabies.org to learn more about what we are doing and please donate to support us by making a 100% tax-deductible contribution. EVERY PENNY OF YOUR CONTRIBUTION GOES TO RECORDING AND PLATFORMING THESE STORIES. Yeah!IG@bonusbabiespodcastTW@BonusBabiesPodFB@BonusBabiesPodcast
Regina Louise: I'm Done With That Carrot-ing Love
May 19 2023
Regina Louise: I'm Done With That Carrot-ing Love
Send us a textJayne Amelia speaks with foster care alumnus and abolitionist, Regina Louise. Regina is a sought-after speaker, teacher, coach, and author. Recently she was the recipient of the prestigious Christopher Award, given to producers for stories that “affirm the human spirit.” In 2019 she received the Jordan Award for service in transforming foster care through advocacy and the arts; the Community Service Award for Children and Families from the Seneca Foundation; and the NAIMC Vision Award for original programming that “reflects the lives, spirit, and contributions of people of color and represents the ethnic and cultural diversity of the viewing audience.” She is the author of the bestselling memoirs "Somebody’s Someone" and "Someone Has Led This Child to Believe". A Lifetime movie, "I Am Somebody’s Child: The Regina Louise Story," is based on her life and was nominated for a 2020 NAACP Award for Best Director.Her new work is out now: "Permission Granted: Kick-Ass Strategies to Bootstrap Your Way to Unconditional Self-Love" and "Hands On Heart A 60-Day Self-Love Guided Journal."In 2011, wanting to honor a pledge she made to herself as a young foster child and to support her son who was struggling in college, Regina returned to college. She graduated summa cum laude from the California Institute of Integral Studies and then went on to the University of California, Riverside, to earn an MFA in creative writing and writing for the performing arts. Regina’s work in the theater was nominated for two NAACP Theater Awards. Currently a Hoffman Process teacher, she also leads workshops and has speaking engagements around the country. She is often featured in magazines and on news out- lets, including Good Morning America, PBS, BBC, NBC, CNN, NPR, HLN, and many others. www.iamreginalouise.comIG@therealreginalouiseFB@regina.louise.5Books by Regina Louise: Somebody's Someone: A MemoirPermission Granted: Kick-Ass Strategies to Bootstrap Your Way to Unconditional Self-LoveSomeone Has Led This Child to Believe: A MemoirSee bonusbabies.org to learn more about what we are doing and please donate to support us by making a 100% tax-deductible contribution. EVERY PENNY OF YOUR CONTRIBUTION GOES TO RECORDING AND PLATFORMING THESE STORIES. Yeah!IG@bonusbabiespodcastTW@BonusBabiesPodFB@BonusBabiesPodcast
Jacqueline Robles: I Saw People Die, I Saw People Get Addicted To Drugs And Fall Victim To The Streets
May 26 2023
Jacqueline Robles: I Saw People Die, I Saw People Get Addicted To Drugs And Fall Victim To The Streets
Send us a textJayne Amelia speaks with Jacqueline Robles, a former foster youth, and a relentless determined powerhouse of a young woman who aged out of the system and made her own way... jumping through hoop after hoop with the hoops always changing and ever higher.Identifying as both Indigenous and Latina, Jacqueline is set on a career to “level the playing field” for communities of color. Jacqueline’s expertise lies in community engagement, policy, and working with historically disadvantaged communities to make the world a better place. Jacqueline is now an Inclusive Economic Development Advisor at a national non-profit that supports local organizations focused on community and economic development with intentions to create more equitable cities. Prior to her current role, Jacqueline served as a project manager for a Los Angeles consulting firm focused on engaging communities with lived experience and proposing policies to build more affordable housing. In addition, Jacqueline has served on various boards and commissions, including the Youth Commission for the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, Lived Experience for Affordable Housing, and is a volunteer math tutor for inner city high schools. In addition, Jacqueline is a child welfare expert and often sought out by government agencies and organizations to provide her insights from personal and policy experience. When Jacqueline is not making cities more equitable, you can find her hanging with her German shepherd and husky, traveling to a new country, or hanging with friends. Jacqueline holds a Master of Public Policy degree from UCLA and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from California State University Long Beach.Please call 988 or text 741741 for help if you're in crisis. See bonusbabies.org to learn more about what we are doing and please donate to support us by making a 100% tax-deductible contribution. EVERY PENNY OF YOUR CONTRIBUTION GOES TO RECORDING AND PLATFORMING THESE STORIES. Yeah!IG@bonusbabiespodcastTW@BonusBabiesPodFB@BonusBabiesPodcast
Noah Nash: We All Are Special In Our Own Ways
Jun 2 2023
Noah Nash: We All Are Special In Our Own Ways
Send us a textJayne Amelia speaks with Dr. Noah Nash. Noah is a foster care alumnus from very early childhood, as well as an educator and creative web designer-developer who is amplifying stories, products and projects with people, for people — as he says. His portfolio includes work in international children's rights, emerging technologies, social impact and philanthropy. Noah's ethos is empowering more people to mindfully leverage technology en route to materializing the world we all wish to see. As a co-host of the Revolution of Care (ROC)  podcast (a media initiative of Peace4Kids.org a community organization which has served thousands of kids of youth in care in Los Angeles for the past 25 years), Noah broadens public perceptions of the foster care experience. Noah's joy for collective growth led to co-creating Garment Learning Studio in 2022, a digital membership for emerging fashion entrepreneurs to upskill and excel. As a longtime advocate, Noah deeply relishes relationship building to unearth new perspectives, reframe barriers, and strategically tackle challenges. His proudest accomplishments are being a loyal brother, a cool uncle and generous home cook. Oh and he loves animals!Peace4kids.orgThe Pointless Forest - a children's book honoring the foster care journeyRevolution Of Care Movement (ROCMove)and the ROCMove  podcast Extended Foster Care (California AB 12)See bonusbabies.org to learn more about what we are doing and please donate to support us by making a 100% tax-deductible contribution. EVERY PENNY OF YOUR CONTRIBUTION GOES TO RECORDING AND PLATFORMING THESE STORIES. Yeah!IG@bonusbabiespodcastTW@BonusBabiesPodFB@BonusBabiesPodcast
Steve Pemberton: You Need To Speak To Them In The Language Of Their Dreams
Jun 9 2023
Steve Pemberton: You Need To Speak To Them In The Language Of Their Dreams
Send us a textJayne Amelia speaks with foster care alumnus Steve Pemberton. Steve is a best selling author, philanthropist, businessman and acclaimed speaker. Steve's "story is about defying seemingly insurmountable odds to become a trail-blazing corporate executive, enlightened diversity leader, visionary youth advocate, and acclaimed speaker. His best-selling memoir, A Chance in the World: An Orphan Boy, A Mysterious Past, and How He Found a Place Called Home , recounts his triumphant life journey and drive to become a man of resilience, determination and vision. Now an upcoming major motion picture, A Chance in the World further amplifies Steve’s highly motivational messages: Believe in your dreams, rise above obstacles, create opportunities for others, and most of all, persevere."A Chance in the World (Young Readers Edition): An Orphan Boy, a Mysterious Past, and How He Found a Place Called Home "This new youth adaption, written for 8 to 12 year-olds, shares Steve's journey with sensitivity, honesty, and hope. Adapted from the USA Today bestselling memoir, A Chance in the World."A Chance In The World  the movieThe Lighthouse Effect "In this stirring follow-up to his memoir, Steve Pemberton gives practical encouragement for how you can be a 'human lighthouse' for others and through these inspiring stories will renew your hope for humanity."Find about more about Steve and his work here: StevePemberton.ioSee bonusbabies.org to learn more about what we are doing and please donate to support us by making a 100% tax-deductible contribution. EVERY PENNY OF YOUR CONTRIBUTION GOES TO RECORDING AND PLATFORMING THESE STORIES. Yeah!IG@bonusbabiespodcastTW@BonusBabiesPodFB@BonusBabiesPodcast
Peter Mutabazi: My Role As A Dad...I Can Do As Much As Momma Can Do
Jun 17 2023
Peter Mutabazi: My Role As A Dad...I Can Do As Much As Momma Can Do
Send us a textJayne Amelia speaks with adoptive dad to one and foster dad to many Peter Mutabazi. "As a child I ran away from an abusive home and was helped by the kindness of strangers. As an adult I found myself in a position of being able to help foster children, so I began taking children into my home years ago to give back what was so freely given to me. It's my mission to give back as much as I can to the vulnerable among us. That's what drives his foundation Now I Am Known: to bring a message of hope to the hopeless---the same message I needed so badly to hear as a child. That is why we will be partnering with foster care agencies to give away a plush puppy with the message "Now I Am Known, Seen, and Heard" to at-risk children across the country.""At age ten, Peter Mutabazi ran away from home. For five years he survived on the streets of Kampala, Uganda, a city of 1.5 million, until one man saw potential in him. This man not only supported Peter through school but forever altered Peter's outlook in every possible way. Since then, Peter's turnaround story has been remarkable. He served as a relief coordinator during the Rwandan genocide, worked for the International Committee of the Red Cross during the Sudan conflict, emigrated to the United States, fostered countless children, and became a single adoptive parent. He speaks seven languages and has traveled to more than one hundred countries as an international advocate for vulnerable children. In his new book, Now I Am Known, Peter reveals the transformational power of taking risks, learning to forgive, overcoming self-doubt, breaking negative patterns, and believing in a better future marked by optimism and purpose."NowIamKnownFoundation.orgNow I Am Known on YouTubeNow I Am Known: How a Street Kid Turned Foster Dad Found Acceptance and True Worth on AmazonIG@FosterdadflipperTikTok@nowiamknownSee bonusbabies.org to learn more about what we are doing and please donate to support us by making a 100% tax-deductible contribution. EVERY PENNY OF YOUR CONTRIBUTION GOES TO RECORDING AND PLATFORMING THESE STORIES. Yeah!IG@bonusbabiespodcastTW@BonusBabiesPodFB@BonusBabiesPodcast
Mike Wiskar: Music Saved My Life As A Kid, Teenager, Adult...Totally
Jun 23 2023
Mike Wiskar: Music Saved My Life As A Kid, Teenager, Adult...Totally
Send us a textJayne Amelia speaks with award-winning musician and adoptee Mike Wiskar. Mike is a Leo-nominated composer, songwriter, independent music producer, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist. He was also adopted as a baby and raised in a caring home by a family who loved him very much. Even so, he longed to know his birth family and finally met his bio mom and his extended family only recently.A graduate of the Music Program at MacEwan University as well as Langara's Digital Music Production Program, Mike began his music career in his teens as a singer/guitarist in rock, country, and jazz bands before working as a songwriter for various artists in Montreal, Quebec. While there he worked closely with Myles Goodwyn of legendary Canadian rock band April Wine, among other top-level songwriters and producers.  Mike has since written and produced songs and music scores for projects as diverse as corporate branding, theatre, short films, full length and series documentaries, choirs, contemporary artists’ repertoires and numerous television series'. Recently, Mike has devoted his song writing skills to “Math Musicals” for Big Ideas Learning. A supplement to their public school math textbook, Math Musicals helps kids from kindergarten through grade five learn math through fun songs and engaging stories.Go to  Mathmusicals.com to hear his terrific work.See bonusbabies.org to learn more about what we are doing and please donate to support us by making a 100% tax-deductible contribution. EVERY PENNY OF YOUR CONTRIBUTION GOES TO RECORDING AND PLATFORMING THESE STORIES. Yeah!IG@bonusbabiespodcastTW@BonusBabiesPodFB@BonusBabiesPodcast
Charity Chandler-Cole: I Am Capable Of Achieving Whatever I Want To Achieve
Jun 30 2023
Charity Chandler-Cole: I Am Capable Of Achieving Whatever I Want To Achieve
Send us a textJayne Amelia speaks with Charity Chandler-Cole. Charity is an author, scholar and activist and "... the CEO of CASA of Los Angeles, Court Appointed Special Advocates for youth impacted by the Foster Care and Juvenile Justice Systems. Born and raised in Los Angeles and having harshly endured its child welfare and juvenile justice systems, she has spent over a decade helping to influence and impact social structures, policies and systems that have negatively and disproportionately impacted and oppressed foster youth and vulnerable communities. Charity works passionately to address the issues and challenges plaguing our communities, women and youth and uses her powerful story of redemption and triumph to inspire people under the mantra, 'If Charity can do it, then so can I.' Charity believes strongly in changing the narrative and outcomes surrounding system impacted individuals and uses her many platforms to engage, educate, develop and empower people from all walks of life to be change agents, visionaries, and successful agents of society, regardless of their upbringing or past.In addition to leading CASA of Los Angeles, Charity serves in several highly impactful positions, including her role as Commissioner with LA County Children & Families, where she is co-chair of its Racial Justice Committee; African American Advisory Board to District Attorney, George Gascon; and is currently pursuing her Doctorate’s Degree in Educational Leadership for Social Justice at her Alma mater, Loyola Marymount University. Charity is one of the original founding board members for the Anti-Recidivism Coalition, a non-profit that works to end mass incarceration in California, where she served the board for eight years, four of which as board chair. Charity was also one of the first people with lived experience to serve California’s Board of State and Community Corrections’, Juvenile Justice Standing Committee. Charity is a wife and mother to four beautiful children and was, until recently, a relative caregiver and legal guardian to her nephew for 12 years."CharityChandlerCole.comand her new book Stranger Danger 2023IG@charity_chandlercoleCASAla.orgSee bonusbabies.org to learn more about what we are doing and please donate to support us by making a 100% tax-deductible contribution. EVERY PENNY OF YOUR CONTRIBUTION GOES TO RECORDING AND PLATFORMING THESE STORIES. Yeah!IG@bonusbabiespodcastTW@BonusBabiesPodFB@BonusBabiesPodcast
Barbara Lane: They Did Everything They Could To Break My Bonds To My Sisters But It Didn't Work
Jul 7 2023
Barbara Lane: They Did Everything They Could To Break My Bonds To My Sisters But It Didn't Work
Send us a textJayne Amelia speaks with Reverand Barbara Lane.  Rev. Lane is the  author of "Broken Water: An Extraordinary True Story." Barbara is the ninth of eleven sisters, abandoned by their birth parents, who were all placed in St. Dominic’s Orphanage in St. Louis, then eventually separated into different homes and finally reunited 43 years later. Her book tells the powerful true story of her journey through the many years she spent trying to reconnect with her long-lost sisters and solve the intriguing mystery of her family of origin – all while surviving and eventually healing from the life-threatening abuse she and one of her sisters endured in the home of their  foster father: a mafia grunt.  Rev. Lane integrates her life experiences of being a foster child, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, entrepreneur, speaker, child advocate, educator, ministerial counselor, and author into her writing. By sharing her own personal journey, Barbara destigmatizes the fate of child abuse survivors, leading her to write "Broken Water." In addition to her 25-year service in private practice as a ministerial counselor, Barbara’s educational background in human development, social sciences, and family psychology with a focus on child abuse, inspires her to share her expertise on interrelated issues: the family, family separation, the foster care system, attachment and bonding, child maltreatment, relationship formation, the resilience of the human spirit, healing from trauma, and the power found in having faith in something greater than the self. When not writing, you will find Barbara enjoying nature, reading, swimming, playing sports, and people watching. She especially enjoys spending time with her grandchildren. Barbara lives in the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia with her husband, Jim, who remains her childhood sweetheart. Learn more about Rev Lane and her work here: barbaralane.info Broken Water: An Extraordinary True Story"I was three years old when I entered the orphanage.  Here is a picture of me with a sister's arm around me. I wasn't unhappy. I didn't miss my mother. I was surrounded by the love and nurturance of my sisters. But, as is the case with most abandoned children, we were eventually separated and placed into foster care.I was traumatized by the separation from my sisters. I would carry that within my broken heart for forty-three years. Until...'Broken Water' is a memoir that tells the true story of my journey to survive  child abuse in a foster home while seeking to reunite with my sisters. It invites the reader to journey with me through a miraculous reunion followed by a fifteen-year effort to learn my family's history and to write each sister's heart-wrenching story of abuse and abandonment. It shares our experiences while living in orphanages, foster care and adoptions. Sadly, the stories of children in the system today are hauntingly familiar.'Broken Water' is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, the strength of a bonded sisterhood, and the power found in having faith in miracles and something greater than the self."See bonusbabies.org to learn more about what we are doing and please donate to support us by making a 100% tax-deductible contribution. EVERY PENNY OF YOUR CONTRIBUTION GOES TO RECORDING AND PLATFORMING THESE STORIES. Yeah!IG@bonusbabiespodcastTW@BonusBabiesPodFB@BonusBabiesPodcast
Jeremy Buchanan: I Was Thirsty. I Think Anybody Who Wants To Make It... Be Thirsty.
Jul 14 2023
Jeremy Buchanan: I Was Thirsty. I Think Anybody Who Wants To Make It... Be Thirsty.
Send us a textJayne Amelia speaks with creative and foster care alumni Jeremy Buchanan. Jeremy  was raised in Illinois, Georgia, and California. He moved around a lot as a kid and attended more elementary schools than he can even count. He was first placed in foster care as a young boy and then again as a teenager when he became a "runner" as he says. Not one of his many foster homes were good to him… or for him…but by sheer will and determination, and with good mentors he eventually found for himself, Jerremy  developed his talent as a rapper and a musician, and he’s now a filmmaker too. Out of Focus is the newest release from Jeremy aka  turnupwater, a rising hip-hop artist who is making waves in the rap indie scene. With a strong devotion to God and a lot of musical talent, turnupwater is growing in popularity and reaching more people everyday.Jeremy is currently based in Los Angeles and is creating and promoting his music, but more than that, he's working on a whole movement based on his religious philosophy and approach to song creation. He is not just a singer and songwriter but also a creator of visual content and photographer with his own company focusing on this aspect of his talent. The newest release is a mixtape featuring Out of Focus, a fresh and funky track from producer Zion Williams and featuring old-school sounds with  a lot of meaning. Unlike many other hip-hop tracks that center on the material, turnupwater puts his faith front and center and makes it a huge part of his music’s message. With this, the song becomes more accessible and interesting to people who want to put their faith at the center of their lives as well and who are looking for music that celebrates this aspect rather than offers conflicting content, focusing on the material or the shallow. With a new proposition, turnupwater is likely to reach a lot of rap fans who want more meaning in their music and especially those who want spiritually strong tracks. Out of Focus is a freestyle track with a lot of ’90s, old-school-style vibes that make it a bit nostalgic and add an interesting and distinct style to the song.  The song and the artist have already drawn quite a bit of attention from hip-hop enthusiasts, as well as those looking for new spiritual music across different genres. turnupwater on Soundcloud TW@turnupwaterIG@turnupwaterSee bonusbabies.org to learn more about what we are doing and please donate to support us by making a 100% tax-deductible contribution. EVERY PENNY OF YOUR CONTRIBUTION GOES TO RECORDING AND PLATFORMING THESE STORIES. Yeah!IG@bonusbabiespodcastTW@BonusBabiesPodFB@BonusBabiesPodcast
Paul Freese: Who Are You, Why Are You Here, What Will Become Of You, What Impact Will You Have?
Jul 21 2023
Paul Freese: Who Are You, Why Are You Here, What Will Become Of You, What Impact Will You Have?
Send us a textJayne Amelia speaks with advocate Paul L. Freese, Jr. Paul has worked as a public interest attorney for more than 25 years and provides consulting on holistic innovations and solutions to poverty, with special focus upon traumatized populations.   He specializes in strategic project development to achieve upstream early intervention impact.  He has devoted his career to humanizing our child welfare, health and corrections systems by applying emerging insights from neuroscience on trauma informed care promoting emerging evidence based best practices to integrate and apply such insights. His work is guided by the core principles that 1) poverty and homelessness stem from the corrosion of the ties that bind our families and communities with connective care, and 2) the most pernicious form of poverty is that which erodes our collective spirit vis-à-vis the growing empathy divide between those suffering oppressive conditions in our inner cities and detached rural areas from those living in privilege, protected and ever more gated communities.  Accordingly, he promotes ‘proximity projects’ that connect these worlds, with the specific goal of increasing the presence of caring protective adults in the lives of our most invisible and detached households and individuals through outreach, peer supports, mentoring engagements, community engagement and utilizing emerging technology to achieve this connectivity in care.Paul’s career includes twenty-five years as a legal aid attorney developing programs to prevent and end homelessness and to protect and engage our most isolated and vulnerable youth – those experiencing homelessness, immigration distress, foster care and justice involved youth. Paul currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Children’s Law Center, whose attorneys represent youth in dependency proceedings;  the Advisory Board of Angel’s Nest TLP, a transformative opportunity housing nonprofit for former foster youth. Paul is also Board Chair of the Human Trafficking Legal Network (Foster Are Legal Network).Simply FriendsAngel's NestHuman Trafficking Legal NetworkAdaptation To Life by George ValiantHarvard Study on HappinessThe Good Life by Robert Waldinger and Mark SchultzChange Reaction See bonusbabies.org to learn more about what we are doing and please donate to support us by making a 100% tax-deductible contribution. EVERY PENNY OF YOUR CONTRIBUTION GOES TO RECORDING AND PLATFORMING THESE STORIES. Yeah!IG@bonusbabiespodcastTW@BonusBabiesPodFB@BonusBabiesPodcast
Lorry Leigh Belhumeur: What's Happened To You, How Can I Help?
Aug 4 2023
Lorry Leigh Belhumeur: What's Happened To You, How Can I Help?
Send us a textJayne Amelia speaks with Dr. Lorry Leigh Belhumeur,  a renowned leader in the field of mental health and wellness, with over 30 years of experience serving children and their families. Dr. Lorry’s unwavering commitment to empowering young individuals and the adults who care for them, along with her exceptional leadership skills, has positioned her as a highly respected figure in the field. She's a licensed psychologist with a Ph.D. from UCLA, author, speaker, trainer, and long-time CEO of a nonprofit where she's a driving force behind evidence-based strategies for toxic stress. Dr. Lorry is a subject matter expert on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and her innovative approach reexamines mental health in the context of childhood experiences and toxic stress. Dr. Lorry is a walking example of resilience, helping others master their mindset and build strength for the future. Her new book Mastering Resilience is just now out and she says: “You didn't choose your childhood, but you CAN heal the child that lived through it.” If you or someone you know is harming themselves, or thinking about harming themselves,  go to: crisistextline.org. or call 988 for the suicide and crisis hotline.Mastering Resilience Dr. Lorry's websiteMastering Resilience: Transforming Into Your Purpose by Dr. LorrySuper Resilient Youth Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)What Happened to You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing  by Oprah Winfrey and Bruce PerryPlease call 988 or text 741741 for help if you're in crisis. See bonusbabies.org to learn more about what we are doing and please donate to support us by making a 100% tax-deductible contribution. EVERY PENNY OF YOUR CONTRIBUTION GOES TO RECORDING AND PLATFORMING THESE STORIES. Yeah!IG@bonusbabiespodcastTW@BonusBabiesPodFB@BonusBabiesPodcast
Ron Jenkins: One Of The Reason Kids Don't Get Help Is Because They Don't Learn How To Trust Again
Aug 11 2023
Ron Jenkins: One Of The Reason Kids Don't Get Help Is Because They Don't Learn How To Trust Again
Send us a textJayne Amelia speaks with child advocate and mentor Ron Jenkins. Ron is a former foster youth who along with his siblings was placed in foster care after his mother died of cancer when he was two years old. He bounced around in foster care for several years until he  was adopted by a friend of his mom, but that didn't turn out well for any of the kids in that home. His foster mother was a cruel and abusive drug dealer, and Ron was sexually abused but two women before he was in his teens. At the age of 13, Ron was thinking of taking his own life.  A stranger's good will and mentorship allowed Ron to see a way out. He was a talented athlete and focussing on football helped him heal too,  and he ended up playing football at Fresno State and studied to be a social worker, and then worked with youth in the juvenile justice system for the next 30 years.  By age 23, Ron had lost four brothers, three to violent deaths related to drugs and another murdered, but still has his sister who he calls "his world."  After two failed marriages, Ron got into therapy and worked through his childhood trauma and says he is now a better man because of that. He's now a football coach at Southwest College, and continues to be a youth advocate and volunteers helping kids get through trauma just like he suffered.If you or someone you know is harming themselves, or thinking about harming themselves,  go to: crisistextline.org. or call 988 for the suicide and crisis hotline.See a great KCAL news segment on Ron here.A great article about Ron is in his college newspaper is here.And the Carissa Phelps and Ron Jenkins story in film is here.Check out Wake Up the movie about what's happening to kids in foster care.See bonusbabies.org to learn more about what we are doing and please donate to support us by making a 100% tax-deductible contribution. EVERY PENNY OF YOUR CONTRIBUTION GOES TO RECORDING AND PLATFORMING THESE STORIES. Yeah!IG@bonusbabiespodcastTW@BonusBabiesPodFB@BonusBabiesPodcast
Georgette Todd: That's When Everything Changed
Sep 11 2023
Georgette Todd: That's When Everything Changed
Send us a textJayne Amelia speaks with former foster youth and now child advocate Georgette Todd.  Georgette is a speaker, author, and a foster care and child abuse prevention advocate. Georgette spent her teenage years bouncing around from home to home in the broken foster care system before she emancipated at age 18, with no safety net or anyone to depend on. Through sheer determination, Georgette went all the way with her education and graduated at the top of her class, serving as the commencement speaker at her college graduation. She is the first in her immediate family to get a college education and nationally, and represents the less than 4% of former foster youth who obtain a college degree. Georgette is the author of “Foster Girl, a Memoir.” She has worked in the social services field for over twelve years. Her personal stories and perspectives on foster care have been featured on NPR, CBS Radio, KPBS, San Francisco Chronicle, San Diego Union-Tribune, and other media outlets. Georgette received her Master of Fine Arts in English, Creative Writing Nonfiction from Mills College, BA in journalism from CSU, Sacramento, and a Grant Writing Certificate from San Diego State University. She now lives close to the ocean in San Diego and is working on other book projects. The 10th Anniversary Edition of her debut book, "Foster Girl, a Memoir," will be available on October 1, 2023. She is an advisory Board Director for Angels Nest, which supports the Toros Guardian Scholars, former foster youth as they complete their higher education at Cal State University Dominguez Hills.  She also works as an outreach coordinator for Connect Our Kids which creates innovative software that finds families and supportive networks for youth in foster care. To learn more, visit the author's official website at www.georgettetodd.com. If you are a child welfare professional or CASA interested in Connect Our Kids, you can email Georgette at georgette@connectourkids.orgFoster Girl - A MemoirAngels NestConnect Our KidsIf you or someone you know is harming themselves, or thinking about harming themselves please please go to: crisistextline.orgPlease call 988 or text 741741 for help if you're in crisis. See bonusbabies.org to learn more about what we are doing and please donate to support us by making a 100% tax-deductible contribution. EVERY PENNY OF YOUR CONTRIBUTION GOES TO RECORDING AND PLATFORMING THESE STORIES. Yeah!IG@bonusbabiespodcastTW@BonusBabiesPodFB@BonusBabiesPodcast
America Gutierrez: I Am Not Going To Be Silenced Anymore
Sep 20 2023
America Gutierrez: I Am Not Going To Be Silenced Anymore
Send us a textJayne Amelia speaks with foster care alum America Gutierrez.  America  is a passionate advocate for mental health, firmly guided by the belief that our voices are our most potent tools. With unwavering determination, she fearlessly shares her personal journey, notably her harrowing experiences within the foster care system. Through her advocacy efforts, she aims to illuminate critical conversations surrounding the welfare of youth who, like her, have faced profound challenges.Born to Mexican immigrant parents, America inherited a spirit of resilience from her mother, who instilled in her the unwavering strength to overcome any setback that life might throw her way. Actively engaged with organizations, she provides her lived experiences to contribute to discussions on topics such as homelessness, foster care, and mental health.Currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in psychology, America aspires to offer deeper insights into the long-lasting effects of childhood trauma, with a primary goal of reforming the foster care system. She is a dreamer who relentlessly strives to achieve her goals, even when they appear insurmountable. Her hope is to serve as an inspiration to those who have been silenced, showing them that their voices can be a catalyst for change.California Youth ConnectioniFosterPlease call 988 or text 741741 for help if you're in crisis. See bonusbabies.org to learn more about what we are doing and please donate to support us by making a 100% tax-deductible contribution. EVERY PENNY OF YOUR CONTRIBUTION GOES TO RECORDING AND PLATFORMING THESE STORIES. Yeah!IG@bonusbabiespodcastTW@BonusBabiesPodFB@BonusBabiesPodcast
Elizabeth Garcia Herrera: I've Got To Do My Part Of Not Repeating The Same Mistakes As My Family
Sep 22 2023
Elizabeth Garcia Herrera: I've Got To Do My Part Of Not Repeating The Same Mistakes As My Family
Send us a textJayne Amelia speaks with  foster alum Elizabeth Garcia Herrera. Liz and her sisters (America's story is Episode 16 of Season 3) were placed in foster care when their mother could no longer look after them. Liz was 17 and spent several confusing years struggling to get on her feet but she put herself through college and now works as a supervisor in child welfare.  She's married with two small children and her mom helps to care for them. Elizabeth is a Program Supervisor for the Healthy Families America Home Visitation program at SHIELDS for Families. Before being promoted to a Supervisor, Elizabeth was a Family Support Specialist (Home Visitor) with the Healthy Families America program for seven years. In her role as a Family Support Specialist, Elizabeth promoted healthy and secure attachments between parents and babies, delivering in-home services to families with children from in utero to five years of age. Elizabeth attained her Certified Lactation Educator (CLE) certification in 2021, and remains passionate about promoting a secure bond and attachment and healthy babies by promoting and educating families on breastfeeding. She is planning to pursue the International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) certification. Elizabeth currently works with families in supporting a team of Family Support Specialists in a Program which its mission is to help prevent child abuse by educating and helping families in attaining the needed protective factors that prevent the involvement of Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and support families with these cases as well. Elizabeth graduated with a Bachelors in Social Work at California State Long Beach in 2014, and is married and a mother of two boys ages one and six years old (and continues to breastfeed her youngest). Elizabeth is also a passionate Christian and is involved in her church as a Greeter, Leader and student Coach. Elizabeth hosts weekly Women's Bible Study Groups and supports and encourages women to grow in their faith and receive healing and freedom following her church's vision to "bring God's freedom to this generation."Families Uniting FamiliesShields For FamiliesPlease call 988 or text 741741 for help if you're in crisis. See bonusbabies.org to learn more about what we are doing and please donate to support us by making a 100% tax-deductible contribution. EVERY PENNY OF YOUR CONTRIBUTION GOES TO RECORDING AND PLATFORMING THESE STORIES. Yeah!IG@bonusbabiespodcastTW@BonusBabiesPodFB@BonusBabiesPodcast
Chrisie Morris: I Will Not Let The Darkness Change My Heart
Oct 6 2023
Chrisie Morris: I Will Not Let The Darkness Change My Heart
Send us a textJayne Amelia speaks with artist and animator, and former foster youth Chrisie Morris.  Chrisie  is a junior at Cal State University Long Beach pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Art in Illustration for Pre-Production. She’s currently working as a Visual Development Artist at Mr. Clown’s Productions through the prestigious Television Academy Foundation Fall 2023 Internship Program. Additionally, Chrisie has completed two internships at DreamWorks Animation this year working as a Production Assistant on Gabby’s Dollhouse, Kung Fu Panda: Dragon Knight, and Curses. Chrisie is an active scholar in the foster-youth professional development program, Ready To Succeed, and also volunteers her time as an alumnus with Better Youth, a foster-youth media art training and mentorship program. Experienced in leading teams, managing collaborative projects, and producing creative ideas, Chrisie’s goal is to direct her own animated feature film one day. She hopes to continue creating art, working within the Entertainment Industry, and giving back to her community. IG@ chrisie.creationLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisie-morris/Mr. Clown Productions: http://mrclown.tv KTLA morning news with Chrisie and Ready To SucceedReady To SucceedBetter YouthSee bonusbabies.org to learn more about what we are doing and please donate to support us by making a 100% tax-deductible contribution. EVERY PENNY OF YOUR CONTRIBUTION GOES TO RECORDING AND PLATFORMING THESE STORIES. Yeah!IG@bonusbabiespodcastTW@BonusBabiesPodFB@BonusBabiesPodcast
Romi Lassaly and Pat McCabe : One Caring Person Can Make All The Difference
Oct 13 2023
Romi Lassaly and Pat McCabe : One Caring Person Can Make All The Difference
Send us a textJayne Amelia speaks with Romi Lassally and Patrick McCabe,  co-founders of Ready To Succeed which has supported college bound students impacted by foster care or “scholars” (as they call them which is fantastic!) by helping them get into school, stay in school, and flourish after school with resources, relationships with passionate professionals, career coaching, and more.From the Ready To Succeed website:“In January 2016, two non-profit veterans, Romi Lassally and Patrick McCabe, saw the opportunity to transform outcomes with targeted support—to take the foster youth that were motivated, ambitious, and tenacious enough to make it to college and ensure they had the resources, relationships, and opportunities they needed to succeed there and in all facets of life. Romi and Pat believed that if every college student impacted by foster care had the kind of support they needed, when they needed it, they could be successful and have a shot at pursuing a future brighter than their past. Initially leveraging their own personal and professional networks, they began to close the opportunity and network gap their students faced.Encouraging others to start opening their own networks as well, the RTS network began to grow exponentially, creating a deep bench of caring and connected professionals across all industries and at every level of the career ladder.In January 2022, RTS expanded to include low-income first generation college students. Along with students impacted by foster care, these first-gen Scholars have unique access to a diverse group of thought leaders, innovators and passionate professionals who offer advice, opportunities and a community of support.”Ready To SucceedSee bonusbabies.org to learn more about what we are doing and please donate to support us by making a 100% tax-deductible contribution. EVERY PENNY OF YOUR CONTRIBUTION GOES TO RECORDING AND PLATFORMING THESE STORIES. Yeah!IG@bonusbabiespodcastTW@BonusBabiesPodFB@BonusBabiesPodcast