Inspired to Help “Aged-Out” Foster Youth

When young people in foster care reach age 18, they suddenly find themselves on their own, without a home or a support system. These teens are “aging out” of foster care and typically have to fend for themselves. Often they have nowhere to go.

But in the Inland Empire, many are finding support and resources at Inspire Life Skills Training, Inc., a non-profit organization that provides housing assistance, life skills training, and education and employment support for youth aging-out of the foster care system.

Camplin Sets Up to Make a Difference

Inspire was founded by Kristi Camplin in 2005. When a social worker she knew expressed frustration with the lack of services for foster care youth who age out of the system, Camplin pondered about how she could help.

“I wanted to just be a mentor at first and then I realized that 70% of foster kids are homeless,” Camplin said. “I knew I had to do something about it.”

Armed with a degree in psychology, a background in sales and years of youth ministry experience, Camplin was ready to make a difference. She founded the organization on a shoestring budget of a mere $7,000. But with hard work and diligence Inspire soon had its first house, a safe home where program participants could live. Every year since then the organization has been able to obtain another house. Today, Inspire has four different houses; two for girls and two for boys. Currently eighteen youth are in the program.

Staggering Statistics

According to a new study from Chapin Hall, a policy research center at the University of Chicago, young adults who age out of foster care have higher rates of unemployment, homelessness and higher risk of being involved in criminal activity compared to their peers. Researchers tracked over 600 youth in the Midwest that aged out of foster care and the outcomes were dismal. At ages 23 and 24, less than half were employed. Approximately 25% were homeless. Nearly 60% were convicted of a crime and only six out of 100 completed a community college degree.

Inspire, based in Corona, is helping to break the cycle and improve these numbers in the Inland Empire with its unique program.

“Our program is education focused and no other program for aged-out foster kids has an education focus,” said Camplin. “We require that they go to school full-time and work part time. They must also go to professional counseling and meet with a mentor regularly.”

New Bill Passes in California: On the Right Track

Although the Chapin Hall study’s data is disheartening, the report does suggest that extending foster care until age 21 may be associated with better outcomes, at least in some domains.

In California, Gov. Schwarzenegger recently signed a bill (AB-12) extending foster-care support to young adults between the ages of 18 and 21. In a press release, Schwarzenegger said, the benefits will “ensure our foster youth have access to important resources as they transition into adulthood."

While the bill is certainly a step in the right direction, it will take some time to implement.

“The way I understand it, 2012 is when the age-out age will increase to 19,” Camplin said. “When it happens, I think for a lot of kids it will be great, especially for kids who are in foster homes and have been there a while. But the kids I get are the ones who have gone from home to home or live in remote areas where care and resources are not available.”

Camplin’s Inspire program has not only provided necessary resources and life skills training, but has been successful with many participants graduating from college, but the mission continues.

Inspire Life Skills Training Inc. is a NAWBO-IE affiliate organization. Inspire is completely privately funded, which means it receives no government contracts. On Dec. 7, 2010 NAWBO-IE is hosting a mixer at Casa de Salsa Mexican Restaurant in Claremont and proceeds from the event will be donated to Inspire.

Joan Burke Stanford is the owner of Jazzy Pen Communications. With a journalism background, she has more than 15 years of experience writing and editing for a variety of companies and organizations. Visit http://www.jazzypen.com/ for more information.

How to Use Food and Nutrition to Succeed in 2011

Often times we underestimate the power food and nutrition have on our business success. Would you be willing to pay closer attention and work harder on your nutritional needs if you know that food and nutrition can actually help you reach your goals and succeed in 2011?

Would you agree that when you start off the day with a well-balanced, nutritious meal you set the tone for your day? Just by eating, you are able to jump start your metabolism and begin your day with fuel in your system. The appropriate food in your body translates into the energy you need to think, create and move forward with your day. You will surely be able to focus and concentrate on the items you need to accomplish. A well fed mind and body paves the way for clear thinking and decision making. In a nut shell, when you eat the right foods, at the right times, systematically throughout the day, you’re giving your mind, body and soul what it needs. You are taking pride in yourself and nourishing the one person you need by your side in order to move your life to the next level of excellence.

Eating well gives you the energy, confidence, focus, clarity and the positive attitude needed to get from where you are to where you desire to be. You will become unstoppable in the New Year. Try it out; test it for yourself. For the next five days start your day with 4 egg whites, a bowl of oat meal with flax seeds and fruit, sliced tomatoes, a liter of water, your daily multivitamin and an antioxidant and see what happens. Not only will you become better and begin to reach all of your personal and professional goals, but the people around you will also become better.

Robin Allen is a Certified Nutrition Specialist and the co-founder of Necessary Nutrition, LLC. Robin and the Necessary Nutrition Academy have helped hundreds of people increase their energy, confidence and overall well being with their nutrition program. Visit www.Necessary-Nutrition.com for additional information on Robin and the Necessary Nutrition Academy.

How to Use Food and Nutrition to Succeed in 2011

Often times we underestimate the power food and nutrition have on our business success. Would you be willing to pay closer attention and work harder on your nutritional needs if you know that food and nutrition can actually help you reach your goals and succeed in 2011?

Would you agree that when you start off the day with a well-balanced, nutritious meal you set the tone for your day? Just by eating, you are able to jump start your metabolism and begin your day with fuel in your system. The appropriate food in your body translates into the energy you need to think, create and move forward with your day. You will surely be able to focus and concentrate on the items you need to accomplish. A well fed mind and body paves the way for clear thinking and decision making. In a nut shell, when you eat the right foods, at the right times, systematically throughout the day, you’re giving your mind, body and soul what it needs. You are taking pride in yourself and nourishing the one person you need by your side in order to move your life to the next level of excellence.

Eating well gives you the energy, confidence, focus, clarity and the positive attitude needed to get from where you are to where you desire to be. You will become unstoppable in the New Year. Try it out; test it for yourself. For the next five days start your day with 4 egg whites, a bowl of oat meal with flax seeds and fruit, sliced tomatoes, a liter of water, your daily multivitamin and an antioxidant and see what happens. Not only will you become better and begin to reach all of your personal and professional goals, but the people around you will also become better.

Robin Allen is a Certified Nutrition Specialist and the co-founder of Necessary Nutrition, LLC. Robin and the Necessary Nutrition Academy have helped hundreds of people increase their energy, confidence and overall well being with their nutrition program. Visit www.Necessary-Nutrition.com for additional information on Robin and the Necessary Nutrition Academy.

Top 5 Essentials for Closing Out Your Fiscal Year

It’s that time of the year again. Are you prepared to close out 2010? Do you have your financial records ready for your CPA or tax preparer? If your answer is a resounding NO, then keep reading.

You told yourself after last year’s year-end fiasco that you wouldn’t let that happen again, but the next thing you know, it’s December 31st. Then it’s March 15th and your CPA or tax professional is screaming for your financial records. You’re stressed and end up having to file for extensions, which results in penalties and interest. Take charge this year! Break the cycle and take control by using the following “5 Essentials for Closing Out Your Fiscal Year.”

1.) Make an appointment with your CPA or tax preparer, and meet with your in-house accounting staff. Your CPA or tax preparer should provide you with a list of items that they will need to start working on your taxes. The sooner you and your accounting team can get started, the easier your year-end closing process will be.

2.) Organize your financial records, preferably by month. Make sure you have back-up for all transactions. Your files should be organized with financial reports on top, followed by bank and other statements with reconciliation reports, and your transaction back-up (check stubs, receipts, deposit slips, etc) attached.

3.) Do an inventory of your equipment and other assets. If any items were added or removed, your CPA or tax professional will need to know so they can properly account for them.

4.) De-clutter. Toss any items marked for follow-up that are not significant to your accounting. They are most likely expired or no longer relevant. If you are not sure, place them in a separate file to be reviewed by your CPA or tax preparer.

5.) Review your current accounting system with your team and make adjustments to put in place for next year. The point of this is to avoid the stress for next year by planning now; you will eliminate the hassle and create a system that puts you in control of your business.

Not sure where to start? Management Consultants of America, can help. We specialize in systems development. We can take your drawers full of financial records and prepare them for year end. Call (866) 380-0745 now for your free consultation or visit us at www.bookkeepingonsteroids.com

 

LaVonne Shields

QuickBooks Expert and Consultant, LaVonne Shields has over 10 years of experience working in several industries (including banking, real estate, construction and non-profit). Her specialized training and consulting services help to provide peace of mind and relieve stress when it comes to bookkeeping and accounting all while improving the bottom line. She is the author of “Bookkeeping on Steroids,” and an instructor for the Inland Empire Women’s Business Center in San Bernardino.

 

Customer Service Gives Little Guys Edge over Big Companies

“Economic recovery will be powered by small businesses. Period," wrote Tina Loza, current president of the local chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), upon returning from the National Conference in Washington, D.C. She said, "The message during the conference was clear and coming at us from all sources, Nancy Pelosi, Valerie Jarrett, and Karen Mills. They all had one clear, unwavering message...." Small businesses are the answer.

But small business owners need to start believing it and acting like it!
 
Recently after conducting a workshop on the topic of Small Business Marketing, a young woman approached me about a business she wanted to start. I was encouraging her with statistics and information, when she let out a big sigh and said, " Yes, but who will want to do business with my little company, when they can go to the big established company in town?" With a mixture of surprise and mild scolding, I warmly asked, "Girlfriend, have you not heard anything I've said in the last two hours?" She muttered, "I know, I know."

I pondered her comments as I drove home that night. It's one thing for business owners to hear all the "shoulds" of marketing techniques - the importance of having a plan, conducting research, formulating a target audience, determining your niche and value, and serving your customers through knowing their expectations. But it's quite another to actually apply and live it.

Let me enlighten you with the grim statistics: 50 percent of small businesses fail within the first five years. That's not even counting the hundreds more that never even get off the ground. Several reasons contribute to their failure. Lack of planning is a major factor. And business owners don't fully grasp that they have a major competitive advantage: their small size. This becomes the basis for providing personalized customer service.

Small businesses do themselves and their businesses a disservice by not knowing enough about their customers and what those customers expect. A few years ago, Bain & Company conducted a study of 382 companies, revealing some interesting findings: 80 percent of the companies surveyed believed their customer service was already exceptional. And did their customers agree? In fact, only 8 percent of these same companies' customers rated their customer service experiences as "superior." It sounds like someone is out of touch --and it's not the customer.

Small businesses have the opportunity to learn from this study to leverage their competitive advantage. Here's how:

• Understand that everything you do as a business owner shows your commitment to customer service, from answering the phone to delivering the invoice.
• Learn what customers want; learn what they expect. Remember that a basic, human need is to feel important and respected. How can you deliver this for your customer --even in a small way? A handwritten Thank You card produces a big impact.
• Apply the "WIIFM" concept: know that your customers are asking "What's In It For Me if I continue to do business here?" Ask yourself, "Would I want to do business here?"
• Deliver consistency of product and service. Train your employees. Use yourself as the model.
• Create systems and standards so that excellent customer service becomes the norm. Customer loyalty is the reward.
• Document great customer service moments. Use these to inspire your staff.
• Embrace customer service. Adopt these practices and begin building a stronger reputation with your customers. Those who provide world-class customer service will stand out from the crowd.
• Be a part of jumpstarting the new economic recovery.

 

Carolyn Ortman is owner of CKO Marketing & Training Group and is a 17-year member and past president of the American Marketing Association - Inland Empire. She can be reached at 951-784-9174 or www.ckogroup.com. Carolyn also teaches Customer Service Management at UC Riverside Extension.

Events Manager vs. Do It Yourself

When there is a need for a significant event that relates to your business relations such as promoting products, services, recognitions, fundraising, and even supporting a foundation cause, the question will inevitably arise: Do I hire an event manager, use an assistant or do it myself?

Deciding on whether to hire an event manager versus doing it yourself requires critical thinking before making a decision.

Doing It Yourself

Due to economic reasons, many companies are looking at areas where they can cut costs and some executives believe they can put together an event themselves and eliminate some costs. Sure, you can choose a venue and get that secured, but what about all of the other important details? Did you get the necessary permits and approvals? You can search the Yellow Pages for vendors such as caterers, but can the resources advertising in the Yellow Pages capture your vision and purpose of the event? Will the service provided produce an event that saves time and makes the most of your money invested?

Getting Assistance from an Assistant

Assigning assistants and volunteers to handle social gatherings, whether large or small, is an option. However, managing an event is typically difficult for these individuals because they may lack the knowledge, skills and ability to succeed in producing an event within the budget. Often these individuals are assigned the task to plan an event and they do just that--they plan. They use unknown resources without knowing the vendor’s track record or their performance of previous events they serviced. Businesses are looking for an event to be produced effectively and efficient. Many times due to the lack of skills and experienced executive assistants end up exceeding the budget or under estimating services and supplies. These deficiencies ultimately can cause a stressful atmosphere that leaves a negative experience that is not memorable.

Outsourcing to an Event Manager

First, it is important to recognize the significant difference between an event manager and an event planner. Managers execute and planners plan. Event managers specialize in the execution and management of an event from beginning to end. Second, be cognizant of the fact that event managers are experienced professionals. Assets to their clients are their organizational skills and keen attention to minute details involved for producing large and small events. Effective communications skill with the key ability to listen for the client’s needs is extremely valuable. Certification in the field of event managing is a plus, but it is not always required. Other positive attributes include being sociable, friendly, efficient and creative.

Business clients and individuals use event managers for various reasons out of both desire and necessity. Definitely time and money investing is the main reason to have a professional event manager. The first reason is the simplicity of using one point person to organize, execute and implement an event. Planning large detail-oriented event needs assistance in managing from the beginning to the end is the second reason.

When weighing the pro and cons of hiring an event manager or doing it yourself, keep in mind that your company reputation could be at stake. Attendees remember excellent event as well as really bad events. So, you can assign an assistant or recruit volunteers or you can even use the yellow pages for your next event. But ask yourself, can these individuals and the yellow page service provider capture my vision and produce a memorable event? Can the resources, people and companies be trusted to use your time and make the most of your money invested?

Lynnette Coachman is a special event consultant and owner of enTRUST Event Management & Design. She has vast experience in helping organizations plan, organize the details and meticulously execute from beginning to end. enTRUST Management captures the client’s vision of an event, offers trusted resources, applies dedicated time and energy, while making the most of the client’s money. Need an event manager for your next event? Contact Lynnette at lynncoach@verizon.net

Revolutionary Nutrition Program Designed to Combat Illness, Disease and Obesity

Riverside-based company Necessary Nutrition has created a revolutionary nutrition program designed to combat illness, disease, and fight obesity. The Necessary Nutrition University and Nutrition Program is a comprehensive program that takes a holistic approach to inspire lasting change.

Necessary Nutrition has collaborated with skilled professionals in the health, wellness and personal development industry to offer a program that integrates nutrition education, personal development and an action plan. The personal development side focuses on the discovery and management of self.

The Necessary Nutrition University begins with a full day interactive live seminar and continues for at least six weeks thereafter. After the seminar participants will begin their nutrition and accountability program. Each participant receives six weeks of custom nutrition plans, an accountability coach and six additional educational classes delivered online. In addition to the education and nutrition plans, attendees receive “Necessary Recipes,” a recipe book featuring healthy alternatives for common foods.

“The state of American health is outrageous and becoming more deadly as the days go by,” says Robin De-Ivy, founder of Necessary Nutrition. “If we remain on the current path healthcare costs will continue to skyrocket, death rates will rise and disability from mental and physical illness will become immeasurable. This program has been designed to address the many reasons why the majority of Americans are overweight.”

The next kick-off for the six week program will be Saturday, September 25th. During the actual seminar participants will receive four full meals, a live cooking demonstration, fitness class, education sessions and course materials.

According to one of the participants Kristi Cooke, “this program has had a significant impact on my weight battle. They addressed my emotional eating and helped me to uncover roadblocks I didn’t realize were holding me back. I have learned so much and by following the nutrition plan my weight is down, my sleeping patterns have improved and my energy level has increased.”

For additional information on the Necessary Nutrition University and Nutrition Program visit www.NessyNutri.com or call 1-866- 320-4164.

Necessary Nutrition, LLC was founded by Certified Nutrition Specialist, Robin De-Ivy Allen. Since 2007 Robin and Necessary Nutrition have helped hundreds of people drop more than 5000 pounds using food and education as their weapon.