Youth News
Janurary 2025
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Happy New Year! In this issue, we encourgae readers to consider becoming foster/adoptive parents, setting goals and understnding children stages of grief and the path to healing. The stages of grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—are a natural response to loss. Each stage reflects different emotional reactions, often experienced in no particular order. They help individuals process their feelings and eventually find a path to healing, though everyone navigates grief in their own unique way. I thought I understood the pain of children in care being separated from their loved ones, but I was wrong. Losing my husband, my best friend and partner, has deepened my understanding of what they feel. Foster youth experience grief in many forms—please show them love and compassion during their journey. WHALER's Creation is providing love and support to these amazing young people from city-to-city, coast-to-coast, and nation-to-nation, our focus is: FAMILY: Foster Adopt Mentor Investing in Lives of Youth Email: admin@whalers-creation.us, or call: (702) 235-5490 La' Toria Kern Executive Director/Publisher
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Grief Stages
Youth News is an online magazine developed by teens, adults and senior citizens working together to bring readers Educational, Motivational, & Inspirational Stories
The stages of grief, often referred to as the "Kubler-Ross model," describe the emotional response people experience when facing loss. While these stages may not occur in a linear order and can vary widely from person to person, they provide a framework to understand the complex feelings associated with grief. Denial: In the face of loss, individuals may initially refuse to accept the reality of what has happened. Denial acts as a defense mechanism, allowing the person to process the shock in small, manageable pieces. It can feel as though the loss isn't real. Anger: As reality sets in, feelings of frustration and helplessness can manifest as anger. The individual may direct this anger at themselves, others, or even the person or situation they’ve lost. It's a natural response to feeling out of control. Bargaining: In this stage, individuals may try to make deals or promises, often with a higher power, in an attempt to reverse or delay the loss. They may have thoughts like, “If only I had done this differently, maybe they would still be here.” Depression: A deep sadness and despair typically follow. The individual might feel overwhelmed by the weight of their loss and struggle to find meaning or hope. Feelings of isolation, fatigue, and helplessness are common during this stage. Acceptance: Eventually, many reach a point where they come to terms with the loss. Acceptance doesn't mean happiness or forgetting, but rather the ability to move forward, adjusting to life without what was lost, and finding a new sense of balance. Grief is unique to each person, and these stages may look different depending on the individual and their situation.
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As the calendar flips to a new year, many of us reflect on the months past and set new goals. For those grieving the loss of a loved one, this time can bring a mixture of emotions—hope for the future, but also a deep sense of longing for what has been lost. Setting goals during grief may feel daunting, but it can also serve as a powerful way to honor loved ones while focusing on personal healing and growth. Grief is a deeply personal experience, and its timeline is unique to each individual. For some, the idea of setting New Year’s resolutions may seem overwhelming. It’s important to approach goal setting with compassion, recognizing that not every goal needs to be grand or immediate. Small, intentional steps can have a profound impact. Consider setting goals that nurture your emotional well-being, whether it’s committing to therapy, practicing mindfulness, or finding creative outlets to process your feelings. If you’re ready, you might also set goals for new experiences that help you heal, traveling, learning a new skill, or reaching out for support from friends, family, or support groups. Goals don’t have to be about "moving on" from grief; they can be about moving through it, acknowledging the pain, and creating space for joy, growth, and hope. This New Year, focus on self-compassion and progress at your own pace, remembering that healing is not linear, but every small step forward is worth celebrating.
New Year Goal Setting: Embracing Healing and Growth
Most people don’t know what it’s really like to open your home to a child in need. There are the sleepless nights, the heartbreak, but also the moments when you see a child’s smile for the first time after they connect with you. Many children and youth arrived, silent and scared. Over time, love healed wounds. Laughter filled the home, hearts grew stronger. Entering foster care often feels like a whirlwind, confusion, fear, and uncertainty. A child is suddenly uprooted from everything familiar, facing new faces and unknown rules. Most day may look like this: Waking up early to prepare children for school, making breakfast, and getting ready for the day. Coordinating with caseworkers, attending meetings, and ensuring the children are in safe environments. Helping with homework, winding down, and nurturing the emotional needs of children who have been through traumatic experiences. There are days when it feels like too much. But when you see a child come to trust you, to see them make progress, even small steps, it makes everything worth it. One of the the hardest part is the day they leave. You’ve become their family, but at the end of the day, they might need to return to a biological parent or another placement. It’s never easy, but we always know we’re doing something good.” Consider opeing your heart and or home to becoming a foster/adoptive parent or mentor. It’s not easy, but it is one of the most rewarding paths. Fster parents are heroes, providing a stable, loving environment for children who need it most. Come join us Foster CareRecruiter at 888-423-2659
The Life of a Foster Parent
Attorney Brain Kern
A don't worry be happy kind of guy!
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A true example of work-life balance! Attorney Brian Kern is not only a brilliant legal mind but also a fun-loving bartender who knows how to connect with people. He’s incredibly supportive, deeply caring for others, and passionate about sports and staying active. With a strong spiritual side, Brian is kind, driven, and always striving to make a positive impact!
By Lisa Tauai
People tend to use intermittent fasting practices for religious reasons or to lose weight. There are a few intermittent fasting schedules most follow to include alternate day fasting, whole day fasting, or time-restricted feeding. Alternate day fasting involves alternate days of no restriction and days that provide about 25% of total calorie needs. An example would be 5 days of normal eating and 2 days of fasting. Whole day fasting involves 1-2 days per week of complete fasting and time-restricted feeding involves eating during a condensed time. An example of time-restricted feeding is eating between 8 AM and 2 PM and fasting between 2 PM and 8 AM. In a Harvard study conducted in 2017 that included 12 clinical trials and compared intermittent fasting to continuous calorie reduction diets, there was no significant weight loss or body composition differences between the two. Additionally, there are some nutritional risks with intermittent fasting to include hypoglycemia episodes, binge eating after periods of fasting, inadequate energy intake if engaging in physical activity, and impact of medications that require food intake. In my 27-year practice as a Registered Dietitian, I have seen a few people succeed on these diets, but most, unfortunately, cannot sustain their restrictive nature and often gain back the weight they initially lost. My advice for everyone is to find a balanced, healthy way of eating that works best for you in meeting your goals. When seeking this out, do your research using reputable resources and learn what works best for you over the long haul! Retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, and Registered Dietitian and Ms. International 2024 Lisa Tauai For more information on good nutrition for a lifetime, please explore https://www.eatright.org or https://www.myplate.gov. You can also visit Lisa's webpage at https://www.tauainutnugs.com. For questions about the Ms. International Pageant, visit https://www.msamericapageant.com. Finally, if you have any questions for Lisa, please contact her at lisatauai@yahoo.com or connect with her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/lisa.tauai or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/lisatauai/.
Balanced Your Healthy Way of Eating
Some foster youth search leads to a forever family, for others, it’s a journey filled with uncertainty, heartache and homlessness."These are ture stories.” 12 Foster Homes: Olivia moved between 12 foster homes by the age of 13. Despite the constant change, she found one foster family who made her feel like part of their own. At age 15, she was adopted.“I never thought I’d have a place I could call home. It wasn’t until I met my adoptive family that I realized a family could be more than just blood.” Michael’s Fight for Stability: After aging out of the foster system at 18, Michael found himself living on the streets. Through a mentorship program, he was matched with a social worker who helped him get back on his feet, ultimately leading to a stable job and finding an adoptive family in his 20s. “I had nothing when I turned 18, but the mentorship I received showed me that it’s never too late to find a family.” Reuniting with Biological Siblings: Samantha, 19 was placed in foster care at age 9, separated from her siblings. After several years, she was adopted into a family, and at 18, she reconnected with her biological siblings through social media. Today, they are working to build a new relationship. “I didn’t understand what it meant to be a sibling until I was older. But the connection with my siblings now means the world to me.”
True Stories
NPR / KNPR There's a nationwide shortage of foster care families
Scott Simon 6-Minute Listen There's a shortage of foster care families in the U.S. NPR's Scott Simon speaks with Kevin Quint at the Nevada Division of Child and Family Services about how he trains potential foster parents.
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Additional Resources
Adoptive Families Magazine Adoptive Parents Committee American Academy of Adoption Attorneys (AAAA) Child Welfare League of America The Center for Adoption Support and Education Dave Thomas Foundation Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute International Social Services National Adoption Center National Council for Adoption (NCFA) North American Council on Adoptable Children (NACAC)
How to Become a Foster Parent
Becoming a foster parent involves several steps, which may vary depending on your location. Here are some general steps to become a foster parent: Contact your local foster care agency: The first step is to get in touch with your local foster care agency. You can find the agency in your area by searching online or contacting your state or county department of social services. Attend an orientation session: Most agencies require prospective foster parents to attend an orientation session to learn about the foster care system, the needs of children in foster care, and the process of becoming a foster parent. Complete the application process: After attending the orientation session, you will need to complete the application process, which includes background checks, home inspections, and training. Complete training: Foster parents are required to complete training before being licensed. The training covers topics such as child development, the impact of trauma on children, and how to work with birth families. Receive licensure: Once you have completed the application process and training, the agency will evaluate your application and decide whether to grant you a foster care license.
US Adoption Resources
Centers for Disease Control International Adoption Health Guidance U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs Adoption Process AdoptUSKids.org Child Welfare information Gateway Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI)
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Las Vegas, NV Clark County Department of Family Services Foster Parents Urgently Needed
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Clark County authorities maintain that they still face a deficit of foster families ready to provide temporary care for children. Allyson Manumaleuna, the county's foster care supervisor, emphasizes a specific demand for Black foster parents. Manumaleuna explains, "Having homes within their own communities and neighborhoods can facilitate smoother transitions for these children. The need is evident. Currently, there are approximately four African-American foster homes available for every ten African-American children within the foster care system." Lynne Jasame, a former foster travel all across Las Vegas advocating for more foster parents, especially African-American foster parents
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