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The Spirit Of Giving Highlight: Nikki Jackson Of Beyond Fostering, Inc. Gives Hope To 25 Foster Kids This Season
Our youth are faced with many whirlwind-like obstacles, some a little bit more than others. However, with the help from people like Nikki Jackson, founder of Beyond Fostering, Inc., the challenges of those who need a little bit more hope are made possible. Jackson founded Beyond Fostering, Inc. in the sprouting season of May this year. It wasn’t until after her journey of being a seasoned foster parent for over 18 years that Jackson became impregnated mentally with the fuel to help as many kids as possible in the foster care system have a brighter future. Giving birth through her passion sparked fulfillment of her vision in providing new concepts for children in CPS custody, facilitating accessible outreach programs, and innovating breakthroughs for not only foster children but foster parents as well. Jackson implemented support groups, parenting classes, one-on-one counseling, enrichment activities, crisis intervention, and many more programs. Beyond Fostering’s mission is dedicated to helping aid in improving the lives of foster children that goes beyond the basic needs of wellness and safety. Through values of integrity, compassion, and commitment, while offering support and advocacy, Beyond Fostering creates normalcy for all foster children. During the holidays and especially Christmas time kids are needing a little bit more hope and to be celebrated with lots of love. On this Saturday, December 15, 2018, Beyond Fostering, Inc. will host a ‘Beyond The Christmas Experience’ for 25 kids and their parents to enjoy a night of fun, food, and entertainment. We got wind of this moving event and was able to get a brief interview with Jackson. HSM: Where do you see the most need for foster children? Nikki: In the United States there are at least 422,000 children in the foster care system, this number can increase or decrease daily. Nearly half of those children are in need of non-relative foster homes, and due to the high number, no other options are available. Some major needs are more foster care homes, adoption placement and support from the agencies and CPS. These children need a very strong and caring support system that they can feel comfortable in opening up. Foster children also need more resources such as financial, education, career, and peer support that will help them along their journey in foster care. HSM: What is your advice for anyone seeking to become foster parents? Nikki: Fostering is extremely rewarding. Passion has to be at the forefront. Foster parenting can be very challenging at times. It requires the parent to practice patience and have an understanding of the mental phases the child can have. Your normal routine can change on a daily basis. Having a good support system in place plays a key factor in being a successful foster parent. It requires choosing to love through the emotional pain, not only for the child but everyone in the home. Foster parenting is also a very enjoyable and memorable experience. HSM: What spewed your passion to start Beyond Fostering, Inc.? Nikki: Being a foster parent is my passion and purpose God gave me. My mother was a foster to adoptive mom and she left a legacy for me to continue. After being a foster mom for over 15 years, I felt the need to do more. I wanted to make a difference and impact on the kids in foster care that one day they may look back, and see someone really cared. I watched so many children go in and out of the foster care system with no hope on their future. My goal is to better the lives of children in foster care and provide them with a sense of normalcy so that they can have a brighter future. Many children and foster parents are not properly educated on their rights or limited to minimum resources. My ultimate goal is to be the voice for kids in foster care and bridge the gap between foster and bio families. It’s a beautiful and rewarding feeling knowing that the sacrifices you made today contributed to a child in foster care future. HSM: How can those who want to get involved help Beyond Fostering, Inc.? Nikki: Throughout the year we have several volunteer opportunities for our events. In 2019, we will be starting a mentorship program and will be looking for mentors to spearhead the programs. They can contact our office at 281-617-8136. Be sure to follow Beyond Fostering, Inc. on Facebook for updates and forthcoming events.
Certified Life Coach And Author Kenya R. Gary Talks About Near Overcoming Abuse, Her Near Death Experience and Second Installation To ‘See What You Believe'
Certified Life Coach And Author Kenya R. Gary Talks About Near Overcoming Abuse, Her Near Death Experience and Second Installation To ‘See What You Believe'
Actress Charnele Brown, Comedian Ku Egenti named Co-MCs of 20th Anniversary Celebration of Fresh Spirit Wellness for Women, Inc.
‘He Loves Me Not’, directed by playwright Mona Moore, will be centerpiece of Fundraising event
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Top Five Books You Need to Push You Into 2019
These five books will give you the internal power to push you in the direction of making 2019 a successful year in so many ways.
Educational Empowerment: Leaders Esteem Christian Bible University Holds Their First Graduation Ceremony
Leaders Esteem Christian Bible University Holds Their First Graduation Ceremony.
Women's History Month Special Feature: Author Pamela D. Smith Uses Her Literary Talent To Evangelize, Coach, and Mentor Women
Pamela D. Smith teaches ways to live a whole life through her books, coaching, and mentoring and she teaches other women and authors to do the same.
29 Female CEO’s Rank #1 On Amazon After Publishing A Prayer Pack Devotional For Female Business Owners
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Author & Entrepreneur Sonyia Graham Gives 10 Motivational Tips For The Entire Family On How To Fulfill Your Purpose
Author of the Original Blueprint Series chimes in with Style to give motivation tips to our readers.
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With his soul-stirring melodies, Amaru 'The Musical Nomad', sung to an audience of community supporters, activists and individuals who deal with mental health daily.
Young Rising Star Shahadi Wright Joseph Chats With Houston Style
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Louisiana Hip-Hop Artist John Fuggin Dough Brings A Fresh Emerge of The Culture To Houston With 'Live From The Bayou: 2nd Edition'
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A Sit-Down With Houston's Preferred Child Transportation Service Owner Tabitha Martin
Second generation transportation guru Tabitha Martin has broken barriers by being one of Houston's first Black women to offer a mobile service exclusively designed for kids! Many call the Houston start up 'The Uber for kids'. Toting kids from school yards to door steps has become her saving grace to success and entrepreneurship.
Spotlight On Houston's R&B Scene: Singer & Songwriter Obinaa Talks "Antydote" And The Southern Culture Of Music
Known for its unique hip-hop culture and gospel music influences, Houston is home to many rising genres within. In the belly of the city are creatives such as Obinna (better known as "Obinaa") creating an interestingly-peculiar sound wave of R&B the industry has yet to discover. Obinaa launched his solo musical journey in 2015. His melodic tone is nostalgic and smooth with a resonance of warmth.
Local Charity Is Committed To Changing The Way We See Life-Changing Diseases Through A Children's Fashion Show
Houston's ARC Village, The Gibson Lupus Resource Center is hosting their 1st Annual Children's Autoimmune Disease and Awareness Fashion Show at Go Cajun Subs (1027 Sawdust, Rd. #375 Spring, TX 77380) on August 24, 2019 from 6pm-8pm. The Gibson Center is seeking young models to participate from ages 5-15 years. Kid model call is on August 3, 2019 from 12pm-2pm at Go Cajun Subs.
Interview: Multi-Grammy Nominee and Author Ledisi Talks New Book, The Walk: Accepting Your Life As It is Now
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THIS WEEKEND: "Un-Cross Talk" Brings an Immersive Musical Experience to the Midtown Arts and Theater Center of Houston
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Highlight: Mental Health Is No Longer Taboo, Bobbye Wagner Of The Pink Canopy Documentary Talks The Greatest Lesson Her Mom Would Ever Teach
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Holiday Spotlight: Faith-Based Non-Profit Hoodies 4 Healing Foundation Dedicates Sunday To Feeding The Homeless
Cypress-based non-profit dedicates their passion for the community to feeding and providing resources to the homeless, and financially supporting single mothers with kids that have medical conditions.
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