Having unconditional love for children is one of the biggest reasons people become foster parents. The desire to give support to a child in crisis and see their growth is one of the biggest rewards of foster parenting. Eva Gerantan, along with her husband, dedicate their time and love to children in need, and have helped over 30 children receive the care and nurturing they need to thrive.
Eva has been a Trinity foster parent for 7 years, and just adopted three-year-old Cooper. “I have eight kids total, and I am in the process of adopting two little girls, ages 4 and 3. I became a Trinity foster parent because we checked a few agencies, but came to Trinity because the staff were friendly and helpful. My social workers Lynette and Roomina, are amazing. They taught me how to fill out paperwork properly, and if I needed anything, they got back with me quickly, and I appreciate that,” Eva said.
“The most rewarding thing about being a foster parent is when that moment comes when a child realizes that you’re their person. I think that’s the best. I’ve had around 30 kids, and to see kids go back to their families, see them grow and get the help they need is rewarding,” she said.
Adopting and helping at-risk foster youth was something that was planted in Eva’s heart as a youth. According to Eva, “I adopted because when I was a teen, our mayor was married to the Chief of Police. We lived by an impoverished Native American reservation, and there were a lot of kids in foster care, but there weren’t a lot of homes. The mayor and the Chief of Police took in a lot of babies, so I’d go volunteer to help feed them.”
Her desire to help youth at an early age followed her well into adulthood, and even though Eva was a proud, devoted mom, she wanted to do something special that would make a positive difference in children’s lives. “I had four biological boys and when they went to school, I knew my kids needed me to be at home. My husband recommended that we foster so that I’d have something important to do with my time and be home with the kids. It’s a calling and it fills your heart. It gave me a purpose,” Eva explained.
When asked what advice she’d give to potential foster parents, Eva said, “You can’t judge the child’s parents. Don’t see them as being bad or that they shouldn’t get their kids back. Have a tender heart to work with them and be gracious to them. We help families, not just kids. You have to have an open mind.”
Check our blog to read more exciting foster and adoptive parent stories. To start your foster care journey, call Trinity Youth Services at 888-346-9645.
Eve Powers, Foster Care Marketing Specialist
Eve has a strong commitment to helping foster youth and their families thrive and live successful lives. A former foster youth, Eve obtained her bachelor’s and master’s degree in Communications from California State University, San Bernardino, and is a certified Holistic Life Coach, motivational writer, self-help author and celebrity interviewer. Beyond the Trinity Youth Services blog, Eve’s articles can be found in numerous platforms including Foster Focus Magazine, Heart & Soul Magazine, BET Centric and Huffington Post. A passionate advocate for the LGBTQ community, Eve continues to educate, support and mentor foster youth throughout Southern California.
As the school semester approaches during the COVID-19 pandemic, families and caregivers are having to look at distanced learning options for their children. To study remotely, computers are essential. Below are some resources for low-income families to receive a free computer:
Computers for Kids
Call: 434-817-1121 or Text: 434-214-0153 — computers4kids.net
C4K offers free computers to K-12 students that receive government assistance.
The On It Foundation
Call: 305-244-6454 — theonitfoundation.org
This organization provides free computers to K-12 students that participate in free or reduced school lunch programs.
Computers with Causes
Call: 888-228-7320 — computerswithcauses.org
An organization that donates computers to K-12 students, foster children, and disabled veterans in need.
Children’s Foundation of America
This organization will be providing school supplies to youth at Trinity Youth Services, as well as scholarships. Information can be obtained through Trinity staff.
Jenelle Phillips, Director of Development
Jenelle’s role is to identify and access resources for youth in our care. She is also responsible for maintaining a distinctive look and voice for Trinity through our online presence, media and community outreach. Before joining the Trinity team in 2016, Jenelle worked in the newspaper/magazine industry for nearly a decade as an award-winning graphic designer, photographer, writer and editor. Jenelle earned a bachelor’s degree in communications at California State University Fullerton. Jenelle is very involved in the community and is active in her church.
How did you get into fostering and why was it important to you?
I was introduced to foster care in 1988. My mom was a foster parent who turned her home into a group home. She did that for several years and I was her back-up sitter, basically her right hand. I moved away from fostering to pursue college and my life direction changed when I got married and had my own children; it was conducive at that time. Eventually, I began thinking about going back into foster care as my children became teenagers.
Several years later, I made a decision that fostering was something that I truly desired to do. I became a foster parent because there are so many children in the system and there is a viable need for foster parents. I worked in the medical field and we’d hear cases about foster children being removed from home for being abused and neglected. This prompted me to want to go back to being in the fostering system. Knowing there was a need, having the heart to heal and love, and wanting to leave a mark on this earth, all made me want to foster even more.
How long were the children you fostered in your care before you adopted them and what are their names and ages?
The children were in my care for 3 ½ years. Their names are Carl (12) and Donnie (10).
What was the biggest challenge you’ve overcome with your sons?
The biggest challenges we overcame was the boys’ desire to accept love because they didn’t know what love was or what love looked like. The other challenge was teaching them how to appreciate and reciprocate love, as well as manage behaviors due to previous trauma.
How were you able to overcome challenges?
Loving the boys was very easy because love doesn’t stop. Love is patient, love is kind, and love is long-suffering. It’s a continuous action we give to one another, so regardless of what the child says or does, unconditional love is exuberated from me to them, no matter what. My sons had to know that no matter what, I was going to love them, make sure that they were safe and secure and know that I would provide them with stability consistently. Over time, they were able to see that and say, “Oh, she does care about me.” For example, Carl would demonstrate poor choices that would lead into consequences at school which would trigger behaviors. He would say “What I did was really, really bad and you’re not upset with me?” Even though I may have been upset with him on the inside, I didn’t allow my emotions to govern how I responded which could have possibly made him withdraw from me. I still demonstrated love, but I let him know that I was unhappy and disappointed with the choices he made. As far as the behaviors are concerned, having continuous conversations with Carl and Donnie were important; letting them know that they are a reflection of me because they are considered my children, helped them want to do well. I demonstrated love and compassion, and my sons reciprocated it. I’d give them kudos and/or reward them for making positive choices. With love, consistency, and giving a little direction on how things could have been handled differently, my sons did something they’ve never done before and became someone they’ve never been.
Were there any challenges you faced in the adoption process that Trinity helped with?
When paperwork needed to be processed, completed and tuned in, Trinity completed their paperwork and submitted documents to the county without hesitation. They literally walked me through the process and ensured that all processes were efficient and effective. When the County started requesting information from them, they were right on it, so the process went faster than normal. I can say that everything I’ve ever needed, Trinity has always been there. So, walking me through the process, coming out, and giving me reminders were just some of the things Trinity did for me. My social worker, Mrs. Dana has always stood by my side and met my needs when I needed direction, support, or just an ear to listen as well as Mrs. Laura, Mrs. Ashiko, and Mrs. Lupe. In fact, the whole team is always accessible, and that’s the one thing I appreciate. I have not seen anyone on my children’s caseload drop the ball.
What are some of the traits of a good foster parent?
They should possess the trait of being able to see the children as their own children. If they can’t, that will put a barrier between the child and the foster parent because the children will feel it. Be willing to stick it out irregardless of what it looks like in the moment; give the children time because they have been through a lot of trauma and had a lot of things happen to them where they had no choice in the matter. They are not going to recover in one day. Don’t let one incident be the deal breaker for you keeping a child. Continuously pour love into them. Love changes and kills things the babies are inflicted with. Don’t take anything personal. Whatever is said, it is not personal. Children don’t intentionally try to hurt you. Being separated from family, being with someone new that may or may not be family, and enduring challenges they’ve been through, including neglect, can be difficult for them; its a process.
What are some skills good adoptive parents possess?
Take the step to be committed to a child for the rest of their lives, no matter what. Being an adoptive parent is taking on more accountability, but you’ll have the ability to impact lives even more, because you’ve taken the fear of the unknown away from them. To me, adopted kids are your children. The boys and I are closer now. They are proud, happy, and shout from the mountaintops, “This is my mom.” So it’s up to us to show them what family life looks like and break the cycle that is negative. Continue to see them as your children, and everything will work out fine. So, while I have my children, it’s my purpose to help them love themselves, know what love feels like, and know how to have a healthy relationship and demonstrate love to their own family. At some point in time, they’ll want to see their family as the door is open. I’ve left it open for them so they can show their families how to love in a healthy way, build their self-esteem, and break cycles. All these seeds are being planted, and my hope is that once the seed is planted and I’ve watered it, my sons can go back to their families and have a love relationship with them.
How has your life changed since becoming a foster/adoptive parent?
I’ve been obedient to God, and I am employed at the school district, so I have the opportunity to work with the kids at school and be a touchstone in their life. My mission is to love God and love others. I am a Trinity Ambassador, so I get to talk about how awesome Trinity is as an agency. As a foster parent, I attend conferences, mentor kiddos, work with behaviorally challenged children in my home and at work and elevate children to another level. I think I am admired by many because people can see the changes in my children and the impact I have working with children whom may be having or had a difficult childhood. I believe once you have dealt with your own issues thoroughly as an individual, you have a message to give and a story to share with others that can impact the world.
Everyone talks about how the children have changed, and how they’ve grown up. I feel like my purpose is being fulfilled and that’s the greatest gratification. I found a deep-rooted happiness in fostering and nothing can take it away. I’m really appreciative knowing that my purpose is being fulfilled, and I get to watch these babies grow up and become grown men. Even if they don’t stay with me forever, they told me that they’d come back. I had a child who didn’t stay with me, who wrote me all kinds of letters of appreciation, telling me how I touched his life and helped him believe in himself. He walked away believing in himself and knowing he can do anything he puts his mind to do. He was loved and he had a purpose for being in my home as well.
I really believe that it’s up to us to keep kids off the streets, out of jails, and help them stop making poor choices. I believe that God placed it in my heart to save as many of His babies as possible. He challenged me to step out of what was comfortable for me, which was just raising my own kids and my grandchildren. Fostering and adopting is helping me grow, helping the children grow in an effort to live life on life’s terms, and fulfilling my purpose in the world. I want God to be pleased with me as His servant.
To learn more, please call 888-346-9645 and check back for more helpful tips on how you can support your community!
Eve Powers, Foster Care Marketing Specialist
Eve has a strong commitment to helping foster youth and their families thrive and live successful lives. A former foster youth, Eve obtained her bachelor’s and master’s degree in Communications from California State University, San Bernardino, and is a certified Holistic Life Coach, motivational writer, self-help author and celebrity interviewer. Beyond the Trinity Youth Services blog, Eve’s articles can be found in numerous platforms including Foster Focus Magazine, Heart & Soul Magazine, BET Centric and Huffington Post. A passionate advocate for the LGBTQ community, Eve continues to educate, support and mentor foster youth throughout Southern California.
If we ever needed to come together as a community, now is the time. The Coronavirus crisis has caused widespread disturbances in our everyday lives; and that’s especially true for foster parents. Schools are closed, jobs are at stake or have been eliminated, and life as we once know it, is now very unpredictable.
Now, more than ever, people in our community, especially foster youth, are finding themselves without the necessary items they need. Here are some powerful tips on how you can help foster youth during a crisis.
1. Take Immediate Action: Make an online donation to your local foster care agency. Local youth who are in foster care are struggling right now, due to not having enough essential supplies, such as toilet paper and masks to keep them safe. The Children’s Foundation of America, a partner of Trinity Youth Services, is currently accepting donations to help provide essential resources to local foster youth. Visit www.childrensfoundationofamerica.org/donate to support.
2. Promote Your Local Foster Care Agency on Social Media: While it’s true that the Coronavirus has shut down our communities, some agencies are choosing to host virtual foster parent orientations to provide needed information while keeping everyone safe. Check with your local agency to see how you can help support them. Also consider posting inspiring quotes about helping children, or sharing a video of what you’re doing to make a difference in your community. Doing these things on a regular basis will motivate others to take action.
3. Consider Your Options: If you want to make positive impact in a child’s life, but aren’t necessarily ready to foster/adopt, consider signing up to become a respite parent, which provides certified foster parents time away when needed. You can sign up online to get the process started here.
To learn more, please call 888-346-9645 and check back for more helpful tips on how you can support your community!
Eve Powers, Foster Care Marketing Specialist
Eve has a strong commitment to helping foster youth and their families thrive and live successful lives. A former foster youth, Eve obtained her bachelor’s and master’s degree in Communications from California State University, San Bernardino, and is a certified Holistic Life Coach, motivational writer, self-help author and celebrity interviewer. Beyond the Trinity Youth Services blog, Eve’s articles can be found in numerous platforms including Foster Focus Magazine, Heart & Soul Magazine, BET Centric and Huffington Post. A passionate advocate for the LGBTQ community, Eve continues to educate, support and mentor foster youth throughout Southern California.
The Coronavirus has shaken families across the world, including Trinity’s resource parents. If you are concerned about how to keep your family safe, and what to do to keep your children occupied while they are out of school, here are some helpful tips that will make life easier in these challenging times.
Have a Family Meeting
Although we are all still learning details about the Coronavirus, we can communicate what we know to our family members about how to stay safe from contracting the virus. Keeping your hands washed, distancing yourself from others, and avoiding touching your face are simple ways to stay healthy. For the latest updates, visit the CDC website.
Reduce Stress
Although most Americans have been ordered to stay home, there are things you can do to make it more enjoyable for your family. Some examples include watching funny movies, playing board games, reading a book, watching educational videos, cooking together, or having a dance contest/talent show. All of these things will bring you closer together and will allow you to have fun, even during this stressful time.
Help Your Child Deal with Their Emotions
For children in foster care, the affects of the Coronavirus may leave them feeling even more isolated, not being able to see their families, go to school, engage in their usual activists or be with their friends. If your child is showing signs of sadness, reassure them that you are there for them. Encourage them to make phone calls, utilize FaceTime, Skype or Duo. They can also write letters to their families, or send them emails in order to help them stay in touch.
Check back for more helpful tips on our blog during this unique time. We are wishing all our resource families safety and are here to support you during this challenging time.
Eve Powers, Foster Care Marketing Specialist
Eve has a strong commitment to helping foster youth and their families thrive and live successful lives. A former foster youth, Eve obtained her bachelor’s and master’s degree in Communications from California State University, San Bernardino, and is a certified Holistic Life Coach, motivational writer, self-help author and celebrity interviewer. Beyond the Trinity Youth Services blog, Eve’s articles can be found in numerous platforms including Foster Focus Magazine, Heart & Soul Magazine, BET Centric and Huffington Post. A passionate advocate for the LGBTQ community, Eve continues to educate, support and mentor foster youth throughout Southern California.
Building strong, happy and successful communities is what Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis does best. Each year, she takes an active role in supporting her community for the holidays through “Operation Gobble Gobble,” a program that helps families in need throughout Los Angeles County. “Thanksgiving cannot be complete without us giving back to our communities. Whether it is through a basket full of food, a turkey, or a home-cooked meal, everyone should be able to enjoy this holiday season with their friends and loved ones.
Operation Gobble Gobble is a true testament to the collaboration and partnership we have in the County. Thank you to Trinity Youth Services for being a great Operation Gobble Gobble partner, but also for all the work they do to support foster youth throughout the year,” said Supervisor Solis.
In its fifth year, the popular program is providing turkeys, monetary donations and other resources to local community agencies. Trinity Youth Services, a nationally accredited Foster Care and Adoptions Agency in Los Angeles County, was chosen to receive 12 turkeys and accompanying side dishes for their foster families to enjoy this holiday season. Family mealtime is very therapeutic for children, especially for foster youth.
According to a recent study, when children eat meals with a family, it provides them with a sense of security and a feeling of belonging. Trinity Youth Services would like to thank Supervisor Hilda Solis for making the holidays special for our amazing families, and for helping them stay connected to the children who are dear to their hearts.
To find out more about Trinity Youth Services or to begin your journey to becoming a foster or adoptive parent, click here.
Florence Edwards, Foster Care Marketing Specialist
Florence has a strong commitment to helping foster youth and their families thrive and live successful lives. A former foster youth, Florence obtained her bachelor’s and master’s degree in Communications from California State University, San Bernardino, and is a certified Holistic Life Coach, motivational writer, self-help author and celebrity interviewer. Beyond the Trinity Youth Services blog, Florence’s articles can be found in numerous platforms including Foster Focus Magazine, Heart & Soul Magazine, BET Centric and Huffington Post. A passionate advocate for the LGBTQ community, Florence continues to educate, support and mentor foster youth throughout Southern California.
Marla Maples, a celebrated humanitarian, actress, musical artist, host and in-demand speaker, was deeply moved to make a profound impact in the lives of disadvantaged youth. She recently took the time to participate in Trinity’s Celebrity Love Project in order to encourage more people to become foster parents.
“Those who choose to foster children, I believe, deserve the greatest amount of praise,” Marla said. “What a better place it would be,” she continued, if more people adopted and fostered children.
Marla has had the privilege of speaking at the United Nations, Harvard University, the 2018 Summit of Peace, and the Global Summit on Science, Spirituality, and Environment in India. Adding to her long list of accomplishments, Marla has also performed her single “One World of Love” on stage at Carnegie Hall. Her first album, The Endless featured Deepak Chopra, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and Michael Bernard Beckwith.
Marla has also performed in Season 22 of Dancing With the Stars, co-hosted The View, The Doctors, and Good Day New York. She also performed on Ballando Con Le Steele in Rome, Italy where the show received its highest ratings to date. Most recently, Marla can be seen on the new HBO series, The Righteous Gemstones. She also hosted a talk radio show, Awakening With Marla with specialists from the natural wellness world.
Dedicated to empowering society, Marla has been honored for her work with the Global Lyme Alliance, and remains committed to supporting a multitude of non-profit organizations including AWARENYC.org, Spirituality for Kids, and The Louis Armstrong Center for Music and Medicine. One of Marla’s greatest loves is helping others create a healthy and joyful life while continuing her steadfast mission to expand the greater good and bring more Light to the world.
For more information about Marla Maples, visit www.marlamaples.com. Marla’s album “The Endless,” with Deepak Chopra, the Dalai Lama and other thought leaders is available on iTunes.
See Marla’s inspiring video message about becoming a resource parent:
Florence Edwards, Foster Care Marketing Specialist
Florence has a strong commitment to helping foster youth and their families thrive and live successful lives. A former foster youth, Florence obtained her bachelor’s and master’s degree in Communications from California State University, San Bernardino, and is a certified Holistic Life Coach, motivational writer, self-help author and celebrity interviewer. Beyond the Trinity Youth Services blog, Florence’s articles can be found in numerous platforms including Foster Focus Magazine, Heart & Soul Magazine, BET Centric and Huffington Post. A passionate advocate for the LGBTQ community, Florence continues to educate, support and mentor foster youth throughout Southern California.
Do you love being a foster parent, and want to add another member to your family? Opening your home to a teenager could be a great choice! There are many benefits to raising a teen. Contrary to popular belief, teens want a loving family, stability and guidance just like any child would. Trauma-affected teens have an even stronger desire to have a connection to a parental figure.
Did you know that teens who do not have a caring adult in their lives often suffer from suicide ideation, depression, and lack a positive self-identity? According to a recent study, teens without positive role models often find it difficult to find employment and suffer from a variety of mental health challenges.
If you have the heart to change a young person’s life, here are some reasons to consider fostering a teen:
- Teens Are More Independent: Unlike raising infants or small children, teenagers can dress themselves, catch the bus to school on their own, wash their own clothes and help with chores around the house.
- Teens Can Teach You New Things: Teenagers often know the latest tech gadgets, hairstyles and fashions. Since they attend school, they can teach you about the things they’ve learned and give you a fresh perspective on a variety of topics.
- Raising Teens Can Be Fun! Teens can be great company when they get to know you and feel safe. When they feel like they are a part of a family, and are loved unconditionally, they will often participate in family game night, attend events with you and even plan family outings.
- Create Lasting Bonds: As teens transition to adulthood, many stay in touch with their foster parents, and even visit them. You can create a unique bond with them that lasts a lifetime. Since they are closer to adulthood than smaller children, they can put your teachings and the skills you taught them directly into practice. You may see the impact you’ve made on their lives and the share in their successes.
- You Can Make a Difference by Sharing Your Life Experiences: Teens can create an emotional bond with people they feel understand them. When you discuss some of your life experiences, especially those that they can relate to, they can learn from some of your past actions and make wiser choices. Sharing some of your story can truly help them.
- You Can Help a Teen Build A Strong Foundation: You can help a teen transition into a successful adult by teaching them life skills, helping them with their college endeavors, and giving them advice about relationships, friendships and employment. Your influence in a teen’s life can help them realize their full potential and create a new, successful life.
If you are considering fostering a teen in need of unconditional love and support, contact Trinity Youth Services at 888.346.9645 for more information.
Florence Edwards, Foster Care Marketing Specialist
Florence has a strong commitment to helping foster youth and their families thrive and live successful lives. A former foster youth, Florence obtained her bachelor’s and master’s degree in Communications from California State University, San Bernardino, and is a certified Holistic Life Coach, motivational writer, self-help author and celebrity interviewer. Beyond the Trinity Youth Services blog, Florence’s articles can be found in numerous platforms including Foster Focus Magazine, Heart & Soul Magazine, BET Centric and Huffington Post. A passionate advocate for the LGBTQ community, Florence continues to educate, support and mentor foster youth throughout Southern California.
Photo by Glamour
Keke Palmer is a world-renowned actress, singer, rapper, songwriter and philanthropist who has been mesmerizing audiences since making her acting debut in the 2004 film Barbershop 2: Back in Business. An in-demand legendary superstar, Keke Palmer is the youngest actress and the first African-American to portray Cinderella on Broadway. Her credits include Akeelah and the Bee, Madea’s Family Reunion, Ice Age: Continental Drift, Joyful Noise, Shrink, The Longshots, Nickelodeon’s True Jackson, VP, and Lifetime’s TLC biopic CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story. Keke has also starred in Scream Queens, Hustlers, and many others. She is also the host of Queenpins, a new series by Facebook Watch and Glamour.
Among her many accomplishments, Keke is also the author of I Don’t Belong to You: Quiet the Noise and Find Your Voice, an inspirational guide that encourages millennials to change their mindset and live with more freedom, confidence, and love as they navigate the rough terrain of the 21st century.
A passionate advocate for at-risk youth, Keke gives back to her community by representing nonprofits such as Saving Our Daughters, an anti-bullying and girl-empowerment organization. Her Saving Our Cinderellas Program is a facet of Saving Our Daughters, which is geared towards using music, theatre, film and television to help build self-esteem in girls.
Keke recently recorded a special message for Trinity Youth Service’s foster youth for the Celebrity Love Project, in which she states, “Do not let the pain from your past stop you from achieving the things you want in the future,” and other motivational words of wisdom. View the video below to hear Keke’s entire inspirational message.
For more information about Keke Palmer, visit www.kekepalmer.com, or visit twitter.com/kekepalmer or instagram.com/Keke.
Summer can be an exciting time for kids, but if you’re like most parents, you worry about how you’re going to keep your child active and happy. There are many free or low-cost activities you can do with your kids that are fun and educational. Here are some great activities you can do with your child that will also help you save money.
1. Visit Another Country Without Leaving Home
Use Wikipedia to teach your children about the cultures of other countries and try adopting some of their customs or meals for one day. Here are some additional tips you may find helpful.
2. Visit Your Local Public Library
Libraries in your area may offer summer reading programs for kids. Click this link to learn additional information for San Bernardino County. Click here for LA County, and click here to find out more information for Riverside County.
3. Create a Reading Challenge
Did you know that kids lose approximately two months of reading skills during the summer? To keep your child’s reading skills sharp, encourage your children to read by creating a summer reading list of books of their choice, then create a reward system when they read a certain number of books. You can also check out Scholastic’s website. They have free reading challenges where kids can win virtual prizes. Click this link for further information.
4. Attend Free Workshops
Some stores in your area may offer free classes and workshops for kids. Home Depot may have free workshops for kids. Click this link for more information.
5. Visit a Local Museum
Some museums may offer free tickets for kids. Chino Youth Museum is an interactive, hands-on museum. Admission is free on the first Friday of every month. Click this link for more information.
6. Give Back to Your Community
One way to help increase your child’s confidence, social skills and compassion for others is by showing them the importance of giving back. There are many volunteer opportunities in the Inland Empire where kids and teens can donate their time to help the less fortunate. ieVolunteer is a program of Inland Empire United Way. Click here to discover more information on how your child can be involved.
To find out more exciting summer tips that will create more fun for the entire family, be sure to read next month’s newsletter!
Florence Edwards, Foster Care Marketing Specialist
Florence has a strong commitment to helping foster youth and their families thrive and live successful lives. A former foster youth, Florence obtained her bachelor’s and master’s degree in Communications from California State University, San Bernardino, and is a certified Holistic Life Coach, motivational writer, self-help author and celebrity interviewer. Beyond the Trinity Youth Services blog, Florence’s articles can be found in numerous platforms including Foster Focus Magazine, Heart & Soul Magazine, BET Centric and Huffington Post. A passionate advocate for the LGBTQ community, Florence continues to educate, support and mentor foster youth throughout Southern California.
