Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney White.
Hi Courtney, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
NYAP (National Youth Advocate Program has been in business for 47 years and has program locations all throughout the U.S. Here in Fl., we have 10 program locations where we provide enhanced foster care to children who are struggling with physical, developmental, mental health, or behavioral challenges. Here in Jax, we also have a therapeutic program which serves youth survivors of human trafficking known as the CHANCE Program.
I became the Foster Care Growth and Retention Coordinator (Recruiter) for the National Youth Advocate Program here in Jacksonville just a little over 2 years ago. As a former foster/adoptive parent I strongly desired the opportunity to remain involved with serving other prospective foster families and the youth of our community here in Jax.
This role allows me to do just that!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Of course, every type of work has it’s challenges, but working for NYAP has been a delight. The work culture is one of caring and making a difference in the lives of youth and families in need our city, as well as, taking care of one another within the organization.
Admittedly though, one of the greatest struggles is to find those loving, caring, nurturing homes for our youth in need. Particularly, older children and sibling groups. We know they’re out there and that’s why we’re so grateful for the opportunity to be highlighted through your publication, it affords us the chance to get the word out to lots of folks.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At NYAP, I would have to say that, besides the organization itself, we are most proud of and grateful for the amazing foster families who have opened their homes, hearts, and lives and are already caring for many of the children and youth in our community. Is there always a need for more families? Of course, but I tell the people I get to speak with who desire to learn more about fostering, that there is no getting to do the work I so love to do without their willingness to step up and step out into the caring for the most vulnerable among us, our children.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Networking and Mentorship is central to what I do as a recruiter, and I love it. I would encourage those looking for a mentor to identify someone who is further down the road doing and accomplishing what it is that they desire to do and ask them to show you the ropes. I have been most fortunate to have been able to learn and glean from some consummate, polished, caring, and available professionals at NYAP. I honestly couldn’t be more grateful for each of them.
Networking is, in my opinion, all about making, nurturing, and crafting strategic partnerships with others in the community who can help further your cause and/or business interests. It’s never a one-way street either. There should be a willingness to serve-and-serve alike. Again, in my time with NYAP, I have met and connected with some fantastic community partners! Your publication being one of them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nyap.org/florida
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nyap.inc?igsh=MWZndGNjNWk0azY5bg==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AJ1cGPqwJ/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- LinkedIn: https://mail.yahoo.com/n/list/folders=1&listFilter=PRIORITY/messages/AFsLgVkOy9JJKCHLxIpjtCv16aY?.src=ym&reason=myc#:~:text=National%20Youth%20Advocate%20Program%20(NYAP)
