Welcome to WHALER's Creation
WHALER’s Creation empowers current and former foster youth ages 14-24 with job training. Housing is available for young people 18-24. Job skills training classes are in media production, performing arts, and culinary training. Other classes include financial literacy, money management, life skills, and employment support. We are dedicated to helping young individuals become self-sufficient as they transition into adulthood.
WHALER’s Creation proudly hosts community events across the nation to raise awareness about the critical need for foster parents, adoptive families and mentors. From city to city, coast to coast, and reaching communities nationwide, our mission remains consistent:
Our focus is FAMILY: Foster, Adopt, Mentor and Investing in Lives of Youth
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
Dr. LaToria Hickmon Kern
Founder & CEO
Dr. LaToria 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.
Sheri Long
Board Member
Sheri 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.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Sheri is a dedicated community volunteer who balances raising three teenagers with philanthropic efforts, including serving as a NICU “baby cuddler” and participating as a “puppy raiser” family with Guide Dogs for the Blind, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to supporting vulnerable populations.
Dr. Keith Fairclough
Board Member
Dr. Keith is a bold voice in men’s mental health, a liberator of the emotionally burdened, and a relentless advocate for freedom — freedom from stereotypes, shame, silence, and stuckness. As the visionary CEO of Freedom Change Success, LLC, Dr. Fairclough leads with heart, precision, and fire, helping men and couples break free from internal battles and rebuild lives where love flows, leadership is clear, and purpose is unstoppable.
With nearly a decade of professional experience and dual licensure in Nevada and Florida, Dr. Fairclough provides both in-person therapy in Las Vegas and telehealth support across both states. Whether you’re a man silently struggling with pressure or a couple lost in emotional gridlock, he meets you where you are — and walks you toward real, lasting change.
His mission is to free men from limitations, heal fractured relationships, and restore identity, purpose, and love—at home, at work, and within.
Jenn Barber
Board Member
Jenn 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.
Tia Johnson-Waller
Board Member
Tia 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.
Board Member Interest Form
Thank you for your interest in joining our Board! Please fill out the form below to submit your application.
"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):
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Have sufficient family income, separate from the foster care reimbursement, to meet the family’s needs and financial obligations
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Have sufficiently good physical health to be able to meet the demands of caring for children
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Are free of communicable diseases, illnesses, or disabilities that would either endanger the child or interfere with the provision of care
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Have no evidence of mental health conditions that would impair the ability to provide safe, consistent care for children
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Possess a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and sufficient vehicle insurance
Please check your state for further criteria.
Annual Special and Fundraisers Events
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Benefit Concert
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Fashion Shows
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Talent Competition
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Run/Walk
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Youth Praise Awards Dinner
Donations
We also accept the following as donations:
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New clothes (every size)
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Electronic games
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School supplies
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Gift cards, cash, or check
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Broadcasting equipment
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Household goods and furniture
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Kitchen equipment
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Video cameras
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Digital cameras
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Editing equipment
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Microphones and mic stands
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Musical instruments
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Office supplies and furniture