Meet Jacob Holley | Foster Care/Youth Advocate
We had the good fortune of connecting with Jacob Holley and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Jacob, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I was born and raised in Phoenix, AZ, which is quite unique in today’s Arizona. My upbringing and background have had a significant influence on my career and who I am today. My childhood was filled with adventure and the usual chaos that comes with family life. Although my upbringing was far from ideal, these experiences have shaped me profoundly. Growing up with almost 6 years in the foster care system taught me alot about life and how to overcome adversity. The challenges I faced taught me resilience and adaptability through perseverance, and the adventures fueled my curiosity and drive. Growing up in such a dynamic environment instilled in me a strong sense of empathy and determination, which have been crucial in both my personal development and professional journey.
What should our readers know about your business?
My business is focused on being a foster youth advocate and a certified trauma-informed trainer through the AZ ACE’s Consortium. What sets me apart is our deep commitment to supporting foster youth and addressing trauma through informed and compassionate approaches. This aspect is very personal to me as a former foster youth. My unique blend of advocacy and specialized training equips caregivers, educators, and community members with the tools they need to provide effective support. I’m incredibly proud of the impact I’ve had on the lives of foster youth and the broader community. Seeing the positive changes in the lives of those I work with is incredibly rewarding. I’m particularly excited about the growing recognition of the importance of trauma-informed care and the expansion of trauma trainings in other states. I have currently done trauma trainings in California with Foster Love and The Good Shepard’s Foundation and set up to do a couple more in Arizona and Tennessee before the end of the year.
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the power of collaboration. Working together with other advocates and professionals has amplified my impact and enabled me to reach more people. A particularly influential team in broadening my understanding of the child welfare system has been the youth leaders with Fostering Advocates Arizona. FAAZ is a youth-led organization focused on policy and general advocacy for foster care, driven by the leadership of former and current foster youth. Another crucial lesson is the importance of ongoing education and flexibility. The field of trauma-informed care is constantly evolving, and staying informed about the latest research and best practices is essential.
What I want the world to know about my brand and story is that I are dedicated to creating a supportive and informed community for foster youth. I go by the moto of ” For the youth, By the youth”. I 100% believe that foster care and what I do is all youth focused. My mission is to empower those who care for and work with these young people, ensuring they have the knowledge and resources to make a real difference in the world and for the future they create. I am passionate about fostering resilience and healing, and committed to continuing this vital work for years to come.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would show them around Arizona and a trip up to Prescott,AZ would be a must and it would be nice to get out of the heat during the summer. If we were feeling BBQ food, I would take them to Hog Wild BBQ off of Thomas and 40th Street. Another one of my favorite restaurants in the valley is Tacos Califia on 16th Street and Bell.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Absolutely, there are several people who deserve recognition for their role in my journey. First and foremost, my wife, who has provided me with unwavering support to go after what I want in life and for my future as well as the love provided by her despite the challenges we faced together. Her resilience and determination have been a constant source of inspiration for me. I also want to give a shoutout to my mentor and colleague, Rebekah Scott, who saw potential in me and encouraged me to pursue my dreams. Her mentorship was invaluable and still is to this today. Her support and mentorship is what I can only aspire to be for the youth I advocate for. Another shoutout goes to my best friend Devin and my foster brother Daniel. Their unwavering support and assistance during my lowest times have been invaluable. Without them, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cajuncowboy99?igsh=cXN2MnF3ZDl3dnps
Image Credits
The picture with me on the steps is Credit to Sophia Dubois
The rest are my personal pictures
Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
