Meet Nicole Mays Jackson | Minister, Author & Fashionista

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicole Mays Jackson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicole, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting a foster care agency requires careful planning and consideration.

1. Identify the Need: Research and understand the current situation of foster care in your community or region. Look for any gaps or areas that need improvement.

2. Research Regulations and Requirements: Familiarize yourself with the local, state, and national regulations and requirements for starting a foster care agency. This includes licensing, background checks, training, and more.

3. Develop a Business Plan: Outline your vision, mission, and goals for the agency. Consider the services you will provide, such as recruitment and training of foster parents, placement services, support and counseling for children and families, and advocacy.

4. Secure Funding: Determine how you will finance your agency. This may involve seeking grants, donations, partnerships with organizations, or accessing government funding.

5. Build a Team: Assemble a team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about foster care and have the necessary skills and expertise. This may include social workers, psychologists, administrative staff, and other support personnel.

6. Establish Partnerships: Collaborate with other organizations, such as child welfare agencies, schools, hospitals, and community centers, to ensure a comprehensive and coordinated approach to foster care.

7. Recruit and Train Foster Parents: Develop a rigorous screening and training process for prospective foster parents. Provide ongoing support, education, and resources to help them meet the needs of the children in their care.

8. Create Support Programs: Offer support programs and services for children in foster care, such as counseling, educational support, and life skills training. Also, provide support for biological families to address the issues that led to the child’s placement in foster care.

9. Promote Public Awareness: Raise awareness about the importance of foster care and recruit more individuals and families to become foster parents. Inform the community about the challenges faced by children in foster care and the positive impact they can make in their lives.

10. Monitor and Evaluate: Continuously monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of your agency’s programs and services. Seek feedback from foster parents, children, and stakeholders to make improvements and ensure the best outcomes for the children in your care.

Remember, starting a foster care agency is a complex and rewarding endeavor. It requires dedication, compassion, and a strong commitment to improving the lives of children in need.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Starting a business and becoming an entrepreneur can be both exciting and challenging.

1. Preparing for unexpected challenges will help allow you to adapt and pivot their strategies as needed.

2. Build a strong support network: Being an entrepreneur can be lonely at times, so it’s crucial to have a support system in place. Connect with mentors, join entrepreneurial communities, and surround yourself with like-minded individuals who can provide guidance and support.

My background in social work and faith has got me through a lot of challenges faced in the work that I do.

I believe, starting a business is a journey that requires patience, perseverance, and passion.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting Houston, Texas for a week, I would make sure to show them some of the best attractions and experiences the city has to offer.

Here’s a possible itinerary:

Day 1:
– Start the trip by exploring the Museum District, which includes popular museums like the Museum of Fine Arts and the Houston Museum of Natural Science.

– Have lunch at one of the local food trucks or trendy cafes in the area.

– In the evening, head to Discovery Green Park for a relaxing stroll or a picnic.

Day 2:
– Spend the morning exploring the Space Center Houston, where you can learn about space exploration and even see real space artifacts.

– Have lunch at a nearby restaurant known for its seafood or Tex-Mex cuisine.

– In the afternoon, visit the Buffalo Bayou Park and take a scenic walk or bike ride along the trails.

Day 3:
– Take a day trip to Galveston Island, located just an hour’s drive from Houston. Enjoy the beautiful beaches, visit the historic Pleasure Pier, and indulge in fresh seafood at one of the waterfront restaurants.

– Return to Houston in the evening and check out the lively nightlife scene in downtown.

Day 4:
– Start the day with a visit to the Houston Zoo, home to a wide variety of animals from around the world.

– Have lunch at one of the famous barbecue spots in the city.

– In the afternoon, explore the vibrant neighborhood of Montrose, known for its art galleries, quirky shops, and diverse dining options.

Day 5:
– Head over to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, if it happens to be taking place during your visit. It’s a unique Texan experience featuring rodeo competitions, live music, and delicious food.

– Spend the evening at the Houston Theater District, catching a Broadway show or enjoying a performance by the Houston Symphony.

Day 6:
– Start the morning with a visit to the Houston Museum of Natural Science, known for its fascinating exhibits on dinosaurs, gems, and ancient civilizations.

– Have lunch at one of the trendy restaurants in the Heights neighborhood.

– In the afternoon, explore the eclectic shops and art galleries of the East End district.

Day 7:
– Wrap up the trip with a visit to the Kemah Boardwalk, located on the shores of Galveston Bay. Enjoy thrilling rides, waterfront dining, and live entertainment.

– End the week with a relaxing dinner cruise along the picturesque Buffalo Bayou.

These are just some of the many exciting things to do and places to see in Houston, Texas. The city offers a vibrant mix of art, culture, history, and culinary delights, ensuring a memorable experience for your best friend’s visit.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
1 Care Premier Services 1 Care Premier Services provides a resource ecosystem which addresses the needs of children & families to make a transformative life-long impression.

Website: https://www.1carepremierservices.com/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/nicolemaysjackson