Resources for Learning and Leadership.
Explore tools, guides, and materials designed to deepen understanding, build skills, and strengthen practice across the child welfare and social care sectors.
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We Are Everywhere Stories of Wisdom From Former Youth in Care is a community-engaged book, from the work of Patti and Corin from Housing Matters Media.
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Rollercoaster Rides and Resilience: A Foster Kid's Tale by Clara Marie is a powerful memoir that navigates the highs and lows of growing up in the foster care system.
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Books
Documentaries
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WE OUT HERE DOCUMENTARY — Zine & HEARD-This documentary features people pursuing their art, music, and passions, thriving and surviving despite challenges. Taking risks and putting in the work, “being out here” embodies courage, perseverance, and resilience. It’s about speaking up for yourself and your community, showing up fully, and claiming your place in the world.
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A documentary about aging out by Violet-Rose Pharoah.
Other
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The Donella Meadows Project-An initiative inspired by the work of systems thinker Donella Meadows, focused on understanding and addressing complex social, environmental, and organizational challenges. It emphasizes systems thinking, leverage points for change, and sustainable solutions, helping communities, organizations, and leaders identify patterns, anticipate consequences, and create meaningful, long-term impact. The project integrates research, practical tools, and collaborative learning to translate systems insights into actionable strategies for positive change.
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Try Feedforward Instead of Feedback- Feedforward is an approach that focuses on providing future-oriented guidance rather than critiquing past actions. Instead of emphasizing mistakes or shortcomings, feedforward encourages constructive suggestions, possibilities, and actionable strategies to help individuals or teams improve and grow. This method fosters a positive, solution-focused mindset, enhances learning, and supports continuous development in personal, professional, and organizational contexts.
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We update this section regularly — check back often to stay up-to-date with new tools, guides, and supports.
Resources for Learning Buddies
We provide practical tools, guides, and references to support mentors and mentees in the Learning Buddies program. Designed to enhance social networks,, promote personal and professional growth, and strengthen community leadership, these resources draw on lived experience, research, and best practices.
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For Mentees:
Goal-setting and personal development guides
Leadership and advocacy skill-building resources
Tips for navigating education, employment, and life transitions
Reflection exercises and journaling prompts
Access to workshops and community engagement opportunities.
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For Mentors:
Trauma-informed mentorship strategies
Tools for supporting skill development and confidence-building
Guidance on navigating systemic challenges in foster care
Best practices for fostering safe, respectful, and empowering relationships
Resources to support mentee goal-setting, accountability, and reflection
These resources complement the mentorship experience, ensuring that every Learning Buddy partnership fosters meaningful growth, resilience, and leadership—both for mentees and mentors.
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The Learning Buddies program is open to former youth in care and allies who want to learn, grow, and support each other.
Learning Buddies is built on reciprocity. Everyone brings strengths, and everyone has something to learn. By joining, you’ll take part in a supportive, inclusive space where lived experience, curiosity, and mutual growth guide the way.
Whether you're a former youth in care looking for community, an ally wanting to contribute, or someone passionate about collaborative learning, there’s a place for you here. Let’s learn from one another, build each other up, and grow together.
Have questions or want to join? Reach out at: formeryouthincare@gmail.com
We offer a wide range of educational topics to support individuals, families, and leaders in organizations and government. We specialize in customized services and tailored resources designed to meet your unique needs.
We believe education should be accessible to everyone, which is why we provide high-quality freemium (no-cost) learning opportunities alongside premium paid services.
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Cultivating a Positive Workplace Culture – Aligning values, behaviors, and expectations.
Building High-Performing Teams – Understanding dynamics, communication, and accountability.
Emotional Intelligence in Leadership – Self-awareness, empathy, and relationship management.
Inclusive Leadership – Creating spaces where everyone feels valued and heard.
Performance Management That Inspires – Coaching, feedback, and recognition strategies.
Trauma-Informed Leadership – Leading with empathy and awareness.
Equity and Inclusion in Practice – Implementing policies that create real impact.
Resilient Leadership in Times of Change – Adapting and thriving under pressure.
Feedback and Coaching for Growth – Creating a culture of continuous improvement.
Bridging Generational and Cultural Gaps – Leading diverse teams effectively.
Systems Thinking for Leaders – Seeing the big picture and connecting the dots.
Decision-Making & Problem-Solving – Tools for effective, confident choices under pressure.
Ethical Leadership & Organizational Integrity – Aligning actions with values and accountability.
Leadership Visioning & Strategic Planning – Setting goals, priorities, and actionable roadmaps.
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Supporting Youth Through Transitions – Foster care, adoption, and independence.
Building Strong Family Communication – Conflict resolution and active listening.
Navigating Mental Health Challenges – Tools for support and self-care.
Parenting with Empathy – Understanding trauma, attachment, and promoting relational attunement.
Strengthening Family Resilience – Managing stress and fostering connection.
Advocating for Your Child in Education & Care Systems – Rights, resources, and collaboration.
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Trauma-Informed Self-Understanding
Explore your patterns, triggers, and strengths through a lens of compassion and awareness, honoring your lived experiences.Confidence & Self-Worth Development
Cultivate self-esteem, inner trust, and authentic self-expression with gentle, supportive practices.Setting and Maintaining Healthy Boundaries
Learn to identify, communicate, and uphold personal boundaries safely and respectfully.Emotional Literacy & Regulation
Understand your emotions, needs, and responses, and develop tools to express yourself effectively and safely.Inner Child & Self-Compassion Work
Heal old wounds and transform self-criticism into nurturing, supportive inner dialogue.Creating Personal Structure & Routine
Build flexible systems that honor neurodiversity, motivation, and daily functioning, supporting consistency and safety.Financial Wellness Foundations
Develop practical money skills and a stable, empowering mindset toward financial decisions.Mind-Body Connection
Use somatic awareness, gentle movement, and mindfulness to support emotional and physical wellbeing.Healthy Relationships & Dating Skills
Recognize attachment styles, red flags, and practices that foster secure, respectful connections.Trauma-Informed Communication Skills
Strengthen assertiveness, conflict navigation, and speaking your truth with safety and clarity.Healing Family & Generational Patterns
Identify intergenerational dynamics and create healthier ways of relating within family systems.Life Skills for Independence
Develop practical skills for decision-making, self-management, and navigating adult responsibilities.Reclaiming Joy, Play & Creativity
Engage in curiosity, creativity, and play as tools for healing, resilience, and vitality.Building a Supportive Network
Learn to create and maintain relationships that offer safety, encouragement, and belonging.