Our youth are faced with many whirlwind-like obstacles, some a little bit more than others. However, with the help from people like Nikki Jackson, founder of Beyond Fostering, Inc., the challenges of those who need a little bit more hope are made possible.

Jackson founded Beyond Fostering, Inc. in the sprouting season of May this year. It wasn’t until after her journey of being a seasoned foster parent for over 18 years that Jackson became impregnated mentally with the fuel to help as many kids as possible in the foster care system have a brighter future. Giving birth through her passion sparked fulfillment of her vision in providing new concepts for children in CPS custody, facilitating accessible outreach programs, and innovating breakthroughs for not only foster children but foster parents as well. Jackson implemented support groups, parenting classes, one-on-one counseling, enrichment activities, crisis intervention, and many more programs.

Beyond Fostering’s mission is dedicated to helping aid in improving the lives of foster children that goes beyond the basic needs of wellness and safety. Through values of integrity, compassion, and commitment, while offering support and advocacy, Beyond Fostering creates normalcy for all foster children. During the holidays and especially Christmas time kids are needing a little bit more hope and to be celebrated with lots of love.

On this Saturday, December 15, 2018, Beyond Fostering, Inc. will host a ‘Beyond The Christmas Experience’ for 25 kids and their parents to enjoy a night of fun, food, and entertainment. We got wind of this moving event and was able to get a brief interview with Jackson.

HSM: Where do you see the most need for foster children?

Nikki: In the United States there are at least 422,000 children in the foster care system, this number can increase or decrease daily. Nearly half of those children are in need of non-relative foster homes, and due to the high number, no other options are available. Some major needs are more foster care homes, adoption placement and support from the agencies and CPS. These children need a very strong and caring support system that they can feel comfortable in opening up. Foster children also need more resources such as financial, education, career, and peer support that will help them along their journey in foster care.

HSM: What is your advice for anyone seeking to become foster parents?

Nikki: Fostering is extremely rewarding. Passion has to be at the forefront. Foster parenting can be very challenging at times. It requires the parent to practice patience and have an understanding of the mental phases the child can have. Your normal routine can change on a daily basis. Having a good support system in place plays a key factor in being a successful foster parent. It requires choosing to love through the emotional pain, not only for the child but everyone in the home. Foster parenting is also a very enjoyable and memorable experience.

HSM: What spewed your passion to start Beyond Fostering, Inc.?

Nikki: Being a foster parent is my passion and purpose God gave me. My mother was a foster to adoptive mom and she left a legacy for me to continue. After being a foster mom for over 15 years, I felt the need to do more. I wanted to make a difference and impact on the kids in foster care that one day they may look back, and see someone really cared. I watched so many children go in and out of the foster care system with no hope on their future. My goal is to better the lives of children in foster care and provide them with a sense of normalcy so that they can have a brighter future. Many children and foster parents are not properly educated on their rights or limited to minimum resources. My ultimate goal is to be the voice for kids in foster care and bridge the gap between foster and bio families. It’s a beautiful and rewarding feeling knowing that the sacrifices you made today contributed to a child in foster care future.

HSM: How can those who want to get involved help Beyond Fostering, Inc.?

Nikki: Throughout the year we have several volunteer opportunities for our events. In 2019, we will be starting a mentorship program and will be looking for mentors to spearhead the programs. They can contact our office at 281-617-8136.

Be sure to follow Beyond Fostering, Inc. on Facebook for updates and forthcoming events.