Season 3, Episode 20 – Rebecca Smith Nash
Welcome to Game Changers with Jeff Newkirk, where we speak with people who have done something to make this world a better place. It’s simple: inspire, educate, and let’s change this world!
There are approximately 390,000 kids in foster care in the United States, according to the Adoption and Foster care Analysis and Reports System (AFCARS) FY 2021 data.
Here are some additional startling statistics for you to ponder:
- 80% of our prison inmates grew up in foster care
- 91% of the game members have in the foster care system
- People who age out of the foster care system lac a home when they turn 18
- 80% of the kids entering foster care have notable mental health needs
- 70% of foster youth will be on government assistance within 4 years of aging out
- 50% of foster youth develop substance abuse by the age of 24
In this episode of Game Changers, we explore the world of our foster youth. The numbers are staggering, and we need to take action. One of those incredible individuals taking action is Rebecca Smith-Nash.
Rebecca is a very positive and energetic person who just can’t sit back and see bad stuff happen, especially where children are involved. Rebecca started her private counseling practice in 2006 and has been on a mission to serve and protect our children in foster care. Her nonprofit organization, Love Heals Youth provides counseling to foster youth, which serves a huge need, https://www.lovehealsyouth.com “Through Love, we Heal!” The mission of Love Heals Youth.
She leaves no stone unturned when it comes to helping children, especially the children who are the most vulnerable. One of her latest efforts is the Mobile Clothes Closet, which brings cool and trendy clothes to foster youth at group homes. Her poem “Love Heals” describes how transformative love can change someone’s world in dramatic fashion. Her poem can be found on the landing page of the Love Heals Youth website.
Rebecca is a game changer, in every sense. Listen to this episode to learn how you too can help the youth of today so they can become better leaders for tomorrow!
Do you have any game-changers in your life? Be sure to let me know so we can celebrate their story and contribution to our world. Go to Contact Us page to submit their name..
