Real Rise Family Licensing, Consulting & Compliance LLC

SHARE TTHIS FLYER!!!

Urban Community Connections, in partnership with Juneteenth KC, invites the community to our annual:

JUNETEENTH HEALTH & FOOD TOUR

Families will have access to:

🥛 2 Gallons of Milk

🍗 10 Pounds of Chicken/meat

🥚 1 Dozen Eggs

📦 Pantry Staples Kits

🧺 Hygiene & Household Stability Kits

(Including 60-load laundry detergent and more!)

🥣 Snack Packs

❤️ Health Screenings

🎈 Children's Fun Zone & Bounce Houses

🏃 Interactive Demonstrations

🤝 Community Resources & Support Services

📅 Thursday, June 11, 2026

⏰ 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM

📍 Linwood YMCA, 3800 Linwood Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64128

🎟️ PRE-REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

🔗 https://urbancommunityconnections.breezechms.com/form/0769f3

Can't pre-register? No problem! ✅ On-site registration will also be available.

All resources are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.

📚✨ First Youth Mental Health First Aid training as an instructor!

A few months ago, I became a certified Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor.

As someone who has worked in crisis response, child welfare, and youth advocacy, this certification wasn't just another credential—it was another tool to help serve others.

Everyone starts somewhere, and I am grateful for the opportunity to learn, grow, and help equip others with the tools to recognize, understand, and respond to mental health challenges in youth.

Here's to building stronger, healthier communities—one conversation at a time. 💙

The work continues.

💚 May is Mental Health Awareness Month 💚

Mental health impacts individuals, families, caregivers, and entire communities — yet so many people continue navigating challenges silently.

At REAL RISE, we believe conversations around mental health, trauma, caregiving, and emotional wellness should happen openly and without judgment.

Caregivers and helping professionals often spend so much time caring for others that they neglect their own emotional well-being. Mental health awareness is not only about crisis response — it’s also about education, prevention, support, healthy boundaries, and community connection.

Through initiatives like Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) and The Caregiver Table, REAL RISE hopes to continue creating spaces that support caregivers, professionals, and the communities they serve.

You are not alone. 💚

The first Caregiver Table discussion topic was:

“First Placement: Questions Before the Yes.”

One thing I’ve learned both personally and professionally is that saying “yes” to a placement is a big responsibility — and caregivers deserve clear information before making that decision.

Sometimes placement calls happen quickly, during stressful moments, and families may not know what questions to ask upfront.

So I wanted to share a few important questions and considerations that may help caregivers feel more prepared when receiving a placement call.

✨ Questions to Consider Before Saying “Yes” to a Placement:

1. Is this an emergency placement or a traditional placement?
2. Is this an individual child or sibling group?
3. What are the ages and genders of the children?
4. Are the children newly coming into care?
5. What is the current goal of the case (reunification, guardianship, adoption, etc.)?
6. What county is the case in?
7. Will transportation to court, school, or visitation be required?
8. Are there known medical, behavioral, developmental, or mental health needs?
9. Is the child currently on any medications?
10. Are there existing therapy or support services already in place?
11. Does the child have an IEP or educational accommodations?
12. Is the child being discharged from a hospital, shelter, or another foster placement?
13. If disrupted from another placement, what led to the disruption?
14. Will there be visitation with parents, siblings, or relatives?
15. Is there a parent aide or additional support involved?
16. What agency is assigned to the case?
17. Who is the ongoing caseworker and supervisor?
18. Will the child arrive with clothing and necessities?
19. For infants — will essentials such as diapers, formula, or a car seat be provided?
20. Is this considered traditional, behavioral, medical, career, or treatment-level care?
21. Are pre-placement visits possible before placement occurs?

And most importantly:

✨ Is your home truly equipped — emotionally, physically, financially, and mentally — for the needs of this placement?

As caregivers, it’s okay to ask questions. Asking questions is not saying “no” to children — it’s ensuring you are making informed decisions that support both the child and the stability of your home.

A few additional reminders for caregivers:

• Foster parents should become familiar with the Foster Parent Bill of Rights.
• In Jackson County, foster youth may be eligible to receive services through the CMH Scan Clinic.
• Structure matters in the beginning. Once a child is placed, age-appropriate expectations, routines, boundaries, rewards, and consequences help create safety and stability.

At the end of the day, placement stability matters for everyone involved — especially the child.💜

What are some questions you think caregivers should ask before accepting a placement?

Also — what topics would you like to see discussed at future Caregiver Table conversations?

Some conversations caregivers need… don’t always happen in everyday spaces.

The real questions.
The moments of uncertainty.
The things you wish you could ask without feeling judged.

That’s part of why I created The Caregiver Table — a space for foster and kinship caregivers to connect, ask questions, and have real conversations with people who understand.

Our first table will focus on:

“First Placement: Questions Before the Yes.”

Because saying “yes” is a big decision — and many caregivers aren’t always given the full picture upfront.

🗓 Monday, April 20
⏰ 6:00–7:00 PM (Virtual)
🎟 Free to attend
⚠️ Limited seats to keep the space conversational

If you’ve been looking for a space to talk, listen, or just not feel alone in this journey — this is for you.

Register here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/real-rise-connects-the-caregiver-table-tickets-1986531759970?aff=erellivmlt

REAL RISE Connects: The Caregiver Table Monthly virtual discussion for foster and kinship caregivers to connect, share experiences, and gain clarity navigating child welfare.

Excited to begin creating spaces for foster and kinship caregivers to connect and support one another. If you’re a caregiver, you’re welcome at the table. 💜 Natasha Edwards

REAL RISE Connects: The Caregiver Table Monthly virtual discussion for foster and kinship caregivers to connect, share experiences, and gain clarity navigating child welfare.

If you’re a caregiver, what’s one thing you wish someone had told you before your first placement?

For many foster and kinship caregivers, the journey can feel overwhelming at times. There are so many questions, decisions, and moments where you just wish you could talk with someone who truly understands.

As someone who has spent years both navigating and working within the child welfare system, I know how important it is to have a space where caregivers can connect, ask questions, and support one another.

That’s why I’m starting REAL RISE Connects: The Caregiver Table — a monthly virtual conversation space for foster parents and kinship caregivers.

We’ll meet every 3rd Monday of the month for guided topics and open discussion.

Our first conversation will explore:
“First Placement: Questions Before the Yes.”

🗓 Monday, April 20
⏰ 6:00–7:00 PM (Virtual)
🎟 Free to attend
⚠️ Seats are limited to keep the conversation space manageable.

This space is not therapy or legal advice — just a supportive place for caregivers to talk, learn, and connect with others who understand the journey.

If you’re a foster parent, kinship caregiver, or navigating a placement decision, you’re welcome at the table.

Register here:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/real-rise-connects-the-caregiver-table-tickets-1986531759970?aff=erellivmlt

REAL RISE Connects: The Caregiver Table Monthly virtual discussion for foster and kinship caregivers to connect, share experiences, and gain clarity navigating child welfare.

Sometimes people ask me what Real Rise is about.

At its core, it’s about supporting families, caregivers, and the professionals who show up every day for youth in our community.

The child welfare space can be complex, and many families step into it with big hearts but very little guidance. Through Real Rise, my goal is to help bridge that gap — by sharing knowledge, offering training, and creating space for conversations that strengthen both families and the systems that serve them.

Because when caregivers are supported and professionals are equipped, youth have a better chance to heal, stabilize, and truly rise beyond their circumstances.

Over the last day or so, many of you have shown love, encouragement, and support as I introduced REAL RISE. I truly appreciate it.

One thing I’ve learned from being both a professional in this field and a foster parent myself is that caregivers often carry a lot — responsibility, questions, decisions, and sometimes uncertainty — all at the same time.

And while there are many people involved in the system, caregivers are often the ones navigating things day to day.

That’s part of why REAL RISE exists.

Not just for training and information, but for real conversations, shared experiences, and community.

If you're a foster parent, kinship caregiver, or someone supporting children and families in this space, I’m glad you're here.

REAL RISE is just getting started, and I look forward to building something meaningful together.

There are no exclusions at this table.