Have you ever wondered what it is like to be a foster child? There are restrictions as to what kids can do, but it is all for their protection. However, the rates for former foster children who become homeless, pregnant, or end up incarcerated are alarmingly high. The economy is difficult to live in, even for the most self-person, so hope for a former foster child is doubtful.

In mid July 2010, a transitional living home was begun for young adults ages 17-21 who had previously been in foster care. I am one of those people. To be in this program you must remain drug and alcohol free for the time that you are in the program and you must be employed or in school full-time. The program allows youth ages 17-21 a place to reside where their personal expenses do not have to be spent on rent or any house-related bills. It is a chance for youth to be in a healthy environment during the time they finish high school, go to college, or work full-time. They are no longer foster children, so they have personal responsibilities such as money management and keeping up their grades in school, but they are not completely on their own.

This is a tremendous opportunity for youth to get on their feet and become self-sufficient, so when they finally go out into the world, they will have more expereience with money management and adult responsibilities. This program is highly recommended. The house managers of the transitinoal living home have had to live in the real world themselves, so they have plenty of good advice to offer. If the youth embraces this once-in-a lifetime opportunity, there are sure to be no regrets.

“God and community,” asserted Brenda C. Speece, when Cambridge Publishing asked her about her professional motives in a February interview. Now lending nearly two decades of acumen to her position at Children’s Homes of Iredell County, Inc., a private residential service providing a homelike environment for children and youth who are victims of abuse and neglect, Ms. Speece is charged with overseeing all facility operations, ensuring it maintains licensure and accreditation and overseeing four residential homes with staff that care for children and youth in a family style setting. Presently, she thrives in her twentieth year as Executive Director, and will seek to obtain agency re-licensure, and continue to work for her community’s children as she moves forward.

Prior to joining Children’s Homes of Iredell County, Inc., Ms. Speece became certified as a volunteer Guardian Ad Litem thru the Administrative Office of the Courts as a child advocate in cases of abuse and neglect. She continues in that role, investigating and reporting to the Courts on behalf of the child or children in her case load to insure that their voice is heard. Ms. Speece also, in her spare time, serves as a volunteer on the Nursing Home Advisory Committee, advocating for the rights of senior citizens living in alternative care situations. Ms. Speece is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Statesville and currently serves as its President. The club has an 87-year history of serving children through various fundraising events.

Established in 1972 to aid abused children, Children’s Homes of Iredell County opened a second home in 1988, a third home in 2008 and finally a fourth home in 2009. For more information on Children’s Homes of Iredell County, Inc., visit http://www.chomesofiredell.net

Ms. Speece is married to her husband of twenty eight years, Herman M. Speece, Jr. They have three sons, one daughter and six grandchildren ranging in age from 9 months to 20 years, all residing in the Statesville area.

About Cambridge Who’s Who
With over 400,000 members representing every major industry, Cambridge Who’s Who is a powerful networking resource that enables professionals to outshine their competition, in part through effective branding and marketing. Cambridge Who’s Who employs similar public relations techniques to those utilized by Fortune 500 companies and makes them cost-effective for members who seek to take advantage of its career enhancement and business advancement services. Cambridge is pleased to welcome its new Executive Director of Global Branding and Networking, Donald Trump Jr., who is eager to share his extensive experience in this arena with members.

Cambridge Who’s Who membership provides individuals with a valuable third party endorsement of their accomplishments and gives them the tools needed to brand themselves and their businesses effectively. In addition to publishing biographies in print and electronic form, it offers an online networking platform where members can establish new professional relationships.

Headquartered in Long Island’s premier office building, RXR Plaza, the Cambridge Who’s Who staff spans more than 10 departments and comprises a team of nearly 200 highly skilled and dedicated employees. Together they work to provide members with the recognition and exposure needed to further their careers, expand their businesses and network effectively in an economy where referrals are more important than ever.

For more information, please visit http://www.cambridgeregistry.com.

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