Today we’d like to introduce you to Jazley Trouser. They and their team shared their story with us below:
Jazley Trouser, trailblazer and founder of Life After Care (LAC), has built her life around serving others. She attributes her heart of servitude to meeting the deprived needs she once lacked during childhood.
After losing her mother to cancer at a young age, Jazley lived with a drug-addicted father during some of the most critical times of childhood development. The unfathomable circumstances led to her growing up in the foster care system. Years later, and after having her daughter, she identified core developmental principles lacking in her upbringing while in foster care.
Gaps in the foster care system forced Jazley to implement a program that would forever change the trajectory of childhood development. The ‘LAC’ program was founded based on her professional knowledge as a youth specialist, former foster care experiences, and realizing it “takes a village” to raise a child. She decided to design a program with volunteers from the community, an element that helped her as a child.
Jazley strongly believes, “If a child has a rich and diverse background from all walks of life combined with professional experiences, a child is well versed in perspective and capability.” As the LAC program expands, Jazley fights for change by positioning as many kids as possible for success through exposure and a commitment to go above and beyond.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?Interrupting any system with change comes with a few bumps along the road. Life After Care, a ‘system changer,’ is tasked with identifying problematic areas and creating a positive impact for all students. In doing so, LAC has had to overcome adversity in protecting its core values from alterations, standing firm regarding the needs of each student, and pivoting for the greater good of the program.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?As the CEO of LAC, Jazley is known for advocating for youth. She is responsible for creating a curriculum of essential life skills to sustain youth beyond the foster system. The 26-week program is divided into five key modules: financial literacy, character development, career exploration, culinary arts/health/hygiene, and cultural exploration. An expert volunteer facilitates each module. Travel opportunities are given to students to gain first-hand experience. Students are often recognized for completing modules and are connecting monthly with mentors committed to their success.
Jazley is most proud of becoming a mother and experiencing unconditional love that has allowed her to pour into youth without limit. Her lived and shared experiences have birthed an undeniable connection that sets her apart from anyone in her field. Within a flawed system, she saw an opportunity to give others essential life skills she desperately lacked during her time in foster care.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?Jazley relies on the board of directors and board of advisors of LAC to help her continue providing the program with the best duty of care, service, resources, and skills. LAC’s board’s perspective, experience, and expertise is vast, creating a room of ease and reliability for Jazley.
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