About us
OUR HISTORY
WHALER’s Creation, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit, was born in Washington, DC with a mission to educate the public about the crucial need for foster and adoptive parents. Our aim was to organize events providing a platform for local and national child welfare agencies, as well as current and former foster youth, and to spotlight the pressing need for foster and adoptive parents in the DC area. In 2009, WHALER’s initiated its inaugural program, History on Stage, catering to teens in foster care. This program, deeply rooted in the performing arts, sought to foster a love for creative expression among young individuals. Participants acquired invaluable skills in scriptwriting, production, various technical roles, set design, wardrobe, makeup, and sound. These talented youth showcased their productions across the DC tri-state area, including Washington DC, Northern Virginia, and Southern Maryland. These performances served as powerful advocacy platforms, shedding light on the urgent need for foster/adoptive parents and mentors, while also providing an artistic outlet for the participants. Many attributed this program with enabling youth to transform their traumatic experiences into sources of self-healing.
Since its inception, WHALER’s Creation has positively impacted hundreds of young lives annually. One of its notable initiatives is the creation of a magazine initially named Just Like Me, written by current and former foster youth. This publication has evolved into Youth News, authored by a diverse range of contributors including current and former foster youth, parents, and community leaders.
Now located in Las Vegas, NV, WHALER’s Creation offers job training classes, financial literacy education, housing and food for older teens and young adults. Our job training classes expose participants to various careers in performing arts, media arts, culinary arts, and countless other professional pathways, with mentors sharing their personal career journeys and insights into success.
The acronym “W.H.A.L.E.R.” represents individuals’ first names whose unwavering commitment to family, love, and community has inspired the mission of WHALER’s Creation. Their teachings served as the foundation upon which the founder of WHALER’s Creation built an organization dedicated to supporting the needs of others, paving the way for the enduring success of older teens and young adults in need of guidance, support and love, empowering them towards self-sufficiency.
Foster. Adopt. Mentor.
Our Values
Mission Statement: Our mission is to raise awareness about the critical need for foster/adoptive parents and mentors for older youth transitioning out of foster care into independent living. We are committed to providing comprehensive life skills training encompassing employment, financial literacy, housing, and nutrition to mitigate the 50/50 risk of homelessness faced by this population.
Vision Statement: WHALER’s Creation envisions a future where life skills services are accessible to older teens and young adults aged 14-25 across cities, coasts, and nations. We firmly believe that every child deserves a nurturing familial bond, whether biological or chosen. Often, foster youth form meaningful connections with friends or mentors, and we recognize the importance of these bonds in shaping their lives. We understand that familial ties are not solely defined by biology but by the strength of the connection itself. Guiding children towards successful adulthood requires a united community effort, with foster and adoptive parents, along with mentors, playing pivotal roles in offering support, love, and enduring connections to our most vulnerable youth.
MEET OUR BOARD & STAFF
LaToria Hickmon Kern, Founder/CEO is a no nonsense dynamic Executive Director with a diverse background in advocacy, management, and the arts. As a former cancer lobbyist, she has passionately fought for critical healthcare reforms with emphasis placed on clean air ordinance nationwide. Her leadership experience includes roles as President/CEO, Resident Counsel and resident manager for large apartment complexes. She managed a local newspaper branch and served as a successful talent scout and teacher for two modeling agencies. Her experience as a property and residential manager and resident counsel has well equipped her for WHALER’s new role in housing for young adults. Ms. Kern holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts (Broadcast Media/Theater) and a Master’s in Arts Management, which she blends into in her programs. She and her husband have served as both foster and adoptive parents and have opened their hearts and home to over 100 children, demonstrating their commitment to community and compassion for current and former foster youth.
Tia Johnson-Waller is a retired senior executive from within the private physical security service industry both nationally and abroad. She has held many noteworthy positions including Sr. Vice President of HR, Vice President/Controller, Sr. Vice President of Operations. Her effective oversight and coordination of multimillion dollar contracts as well as thousands of staff members is noteworthy. Tia attended ECC and Rutgers University obtaining a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration. Although originally from NJ, she has resided in GA for the past 35 years. Tia is married, has two adult sons and five grandchildren. She has been the “kinship “ caregiver to one of her grandchildren for the past eleven years. Her unique personal and professional experiences make her an invaluable asset to the WHALER’s Creation Board.
Jenn Barber is the visionary Founder & CEO of Empireify Agency, in the global digital marketing space. With over a decade of experience, she has partnered with renowned authors, influential public speakers, and top business leaders, driving transformative marketing campaigns. Prior to joining WHALER’s Board of Directors, Jenn held a pivotal role in the world’s largest business coaching firm, spearheading successful digital campaigns and initiatives that fueled growth within the coaching industry. Known for her innovative mindset and entrepreneurial drive, Jenn inspires through her leadership, blending creativity with strategy to achieve remarkable results. Her energy and commitment to continuous growth stem from her deep belief in the power of abundance. Beyond her professional pursuits, Jenn is passionate about giving back, dedicating time to WHALER’s Creation, a nonprofit close to her heart. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, cooking, and making cherished memories with her son.
William Tucker, Staff/General Manager KFAM Youth Radio. Mr. Tucker is a tech-savvy visionary and resourceful entrepreneur with extensive experience in marketing, finance, business development, and operations, spanning multiple industries including new media, broadcasting, and telecommunications. A native of Washington, DC and proud alumnus of University of Maryland College Park and UMGC campuses, Tucker has served on the board of multiple non-governmental organizations, including the Greater Oxon Hill Community Development Corporation. His portfolio includes developing broadband solutions for communities with substandard internet access, and creating Washington DC, based community webcaster n/k/a WeAct Radio. He currently resides in Adelphi, MD, and his interests include car culture, basketball, movies, reading, music, history, and industrial design.
Sheri Long, holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Deaf Studies and her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies after attending California State University, Northridge and the University of Georgia. Currently, Sheri is an accomplished entrepreneur who transformed her 25-year background in education into a successful business venture, founding Sugar and Spice Las Vegas while simultaneously creating a meaningful workforce development site that supports foster youth, and young adults with intellectual disabilities, autism, and mental health challenges.
Committed to community empowerment, Long collaborates with local organizations and the state’s vocational education programs to provide meaningful employment opportunities and skill-building experiences for young adults facing diverse developmental and socioeconomic challenges with a belief that all individuals are capable of significant contributions to the workforce, regardless of personal challenges.
“How can I help?”
Become a licensed foster parent
The Department of Child Welfare in each state as well as and other organizations have information to get you started in this process: Most states require that prospective foster parent(s):
- Have sufficient family income, separate from the foster care reimbursement, to meet the family’s needs and financial obligations
- Have sufficiently good physical health to be able to meet the demands of caring for children
- Are free of communicable diseases, illnesses, or disabilities that would either endanger the child or interfere with the provision of care
- Have no evidence of mental health conditions that would impair the ability to provide safe, consistent care for children
- Possess a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and sufficient vehicle insurance
Please check your state for further criteria or click here
Annual Special and Fundraising Events
- Benefit Concert
- Fashion Shows
- Talent Competition
- Run/Walk
- Youth Praise Awards Dinner
Donations
We also accept the following as donations:
- New clothes (every size)
- Electronic games
- School supplies
- Gift cards, cash, or check
- Broadcasting equipment
- Household goods and furniture
- Kitchen equipment
- Video cameras
- Digital cameras
- Editing equipment
- Microphones and mic stands
- Musical instruments
- Office supplies and furniture
