In this May 17, 2026 episode, we talk with Luiz Juarez, the Retention & Growth Coordinator and John Small, the Licensing Coordinator of the National Youth Advocate Program. Luiz and John display what foster care is and how you can take a step in improving the life of a child during National Foster Care Month. Photo: 92.5 Kickin' Country
Lowcountry Forever – National Youth Advocate Program – May 17, 2026
LOWCOUNTRY FOREVER – May 17, 2026
GUEST: Luiz Juarez, Retention & Growth Coordinator and John Small, Licensing Coordinator
ISSUE: Foster Care/Foster Parenting
May is National Foster Care Month and in South Carolina now there are as many as 3,000 children searching for Foster Care. John Small, a Licensing Coordinator with the National Youth Advocate Program, provided an explanation of what foster care is and how NVAP works to match children with a foster family. Small shared the characteristics of an ideal foster family and the steps a family needs to take to get started. Luiz Juarez, the organization’s Retention & Growth Coordinator, discussed the misconception about foster care people may have as well as the emotional challenges foster children face. Both spoke about the end goal of foster care being, when possible, the reunification of the family.
Monday, June 1, 202606/01/2026
In this May 31, 2026 episode, the Director of Planning and Zoning with the City of North Charleston, Tim Macholl, dives into detail about North Charleston’s new and upcoming Unified Development Ordinance plan that helps redefine and reestablish zoning and development rules, as well as how people can actively participate in discussions being held in June.
Monday, June 1, 202606/01/2026
In this May 31, 2026 episode, Justin Ramel, the Marketing Director of the Summerville Family YMCA, discusses how South Carolina ranks 9th in drowning deaths per year, and how the Summerville Family YMCA has established the “Splash Into Safety” summer program to help kids learn how to be safe around pools and other bodies of water at an affordable cost for parents and caretakers.
Tuesday, May 26, 202605/26/2026
In this May 24, 2026 episode, we talk with Mary Blackwelder, the Director of Camps & Overnight Programs at Camp Happy Days. Camp Happy Days provides a free summer camp for pediatric cancer patients, and Mary is calling for volunteers to help during this year’s summer program.
Tuesday, May 26, 202605/26/2026
In this May 24, 2026 episode, we discuss the incoming hurricane season and how to be prepared and stay safe during a hurricane with Justin Pearce, the Director of Charleston County Emergency Management and William Everett, the manager of the James Island Walmart, where the expo will be held.
Monday, May 18, 202605/18/2026
In this May 17, 2026 episode, we talk with Luiz Juarez, the Retention & Growth Coordinator and John Small, the Licensing Coordinator of the National Youth Advocate Program. Luiz and John display what foster care is and how you can take a step in improving the life of a child during National Foster Care Month.
