Tray's Table Talks

In this episode we're talking about the environmental, mental and permanent placement of fostering and how it foster youth are effected as well as how you can support them.

This month there are so many reasons for JMC to celebrate: Pride Month, Juneteenth, Father's Day and Graduations!! Tune in as Tralayne share more!

On this episode, Tralayne has amazing news to share regarding the new Behavioral Rehabilitation Services (BRS) Boys Home as well as updates on the fundraiser!!

This episode we continue the conversation surrounding fundraising in honor of this month marks our 5 Year Anniversary. Tralayne has the pleasure of interviewing former JMC Youth Director Care Aid, Jessica, who shares her experience and the importance of why JMC must continue the work for our foster youth in this state.

It's Time To Celebrate!!! JMC has been doing the work for foster youth in Washington to 5 years now. We are so excited for you to learn ways you can help us continue the work and expand the vision that every child will experience an authentic, reliable, and supportive community.

This episode Tralanye has the pleasure of interviewing DCYF Recruiter, Yolonda Marzest, on the importance of Black representation and what that means for Black foster children as well as advocacy.

Honoring Social Workers and talking all things advocacy, tune in as Tralayne chats with fellow Social Worker Veronica Hudson. This episode dives into the in/outs of social work and the importance of showing up for children who need us the most.

Special guest/JMC staffers Mavis Tuner and Dreshun Harvey join Tralayne to share from the providers’ perspective/experience of the importance of black representation with the foster care system specifically.

We all can relate to feelings of belonging especially in an environment that is unfamiliar for us. Like us, foster children often black foster youth can experience this when place in foster families that do not necessary reflect their race. Tune in as Tralayne tackles this topic and provides  ways you can support!

This episode features former foster child and author of "No Ordinary Liz," Elizabeth Sutherland. Tune in to learn Liz's journey and how the some of the people place in her life during a time of great transition help guide and lead her into her future.

"No Ordinary Liz" - by Elizabeth Sutherland

Available for purchase on Amazon!

There are many options when it comes to impacting the lives of foster youth including becoming a foster parent and a mentor. Our children need healthy and positive connections that can be fostered by both areas. If you are interested in volunteering contact us today at fosters@jmckids.com!

Without the love and support of a family to fall back on, many foster youth who aged out of care find themselves struggling to succeed on their own. Learn more how you can support them through the different transitions and be a huge impact in their life!

Family doesn't have to be related, it's what you choose. In this episode, Tralayne talks all things traditions, family and fostering during the holidays.

Starting off Season 2 with special guest/co-owner Alex Davis along with Tralayne who shares how JMC came into existence as well as it's growth since inception. Tralayne shares many great things coming down the pipeline all in efforts to support foster children here in Washington. Tune in for more!

In this episode Tralayne interviews a grandmother, Debra Fayne, who fostered then later adopted her grandchildren. Tune in as she shares her journey, the challenges/wins and altering parenting styles while fostering her grandchildren.

In this episode, Tralayne share tips and tools for parents getting their kiddos ready to go back to school beyond shopping for supplies/clothes. Check it out!

Bonus: special interview with Devandra Wheeler author or "Nova Be Bold."

As trusted adults it's up to us to raise and support our youth whether it's your bio, foster, adopted kiddos by guiding them to be responsible adults. In this episode, Tralayne dives into the importance of purposeful parenting and the outcomes of being intentional. Tune in!

This week Tralayne discusses the definition of minorities and how foster children fall underneath that meaning, tune in to learn how. She also dives into the stigmas surrounding mental health within the minority communities as July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.

It's Pride Month!! As we celebrate our LGBTQ community we also share within the episode on how JMC cares for foster youth who may identify with the LGBTQ community. Our number one goal is make sure every kiddo feels safe while in our care and to treat others as we would like to be treated.

We want to take time this episode to honor the men in our lives whether a father (bio/foster/adopted), uncle, brother, cousin or friend. We understand the importance of fathers or male mentors in our lives. And as Father's Day approaches we take time to shout you all out and celebrate you as well as celebrate Juneteenth this June 19th.

We celebrated Mother's Day this past weekend---- Happy Belated Mother's Day to every mother whether you have mothered bio or foster children. On this episode we have special guest, Robin Henderson, join Tralayne as she shares her journey as a bio and foster mother to 7 children.

Tralayne is joined by fellow JMC employee and mother, Chloe as she shares her experience as a mother with a child who's been diagnosed with Autism, recognizing behaviors and ways to provide support. 

James Matthew Commission believes every child will experience an authentic, reliable, and supportive community!

Resources:

https://autismsociety.org/

https://www.jmckids.com/

In this episode Tralayne shares with us ways to volunteer your time, talents and resources specifically when it comes to fostering. At the end of the day volunteering is all about reaching back into your community to inject faith thereby making a difference. We all have something to offer so in honor of April also being "National Volunteer Month" take time to share your time, energy, talents with someone who needs them!!

April is Child Abuse Awareness Month!! In this episode, Tralayne speaks about the abuse of children and the many forms it could take. At the end of the day these children are our responsibility and someone has to protect them.

If you suspect a child is being abuse please contact the Child Abuse Hotline at 866-END-HARM!

In this episode we are talking about the different types of fostering: emergency placement, respite care, receiving care, relative care, long-term care, etc. When it comes down to it you should choose based on you and your family's capacity. We also have a special guest, Emily Purser, a fellow foster mother joining us to share her journey when fostering over 33 children!!

Today we're talking about qualifications to become a foster parent. Often times we get people who think they are not qualified to foster a child when in reality they are more qualified than they think. Join Tralanye as she sheds light on the topic!

Question on the Table: What are some qualities good for potential foster parents?

It's our first week and we are talking all things foster! Tralayne shares about the mission and vision of James Matthew Commission and the topic "Love."