ON0 ON THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2018 TORONTO STAR⎮S5 NSPECIALEWS REP0RT: JOE CARTER CLASSIC Sheehan is up for another round

NINA DRAGICEVIC SPECIAL TO THE STAR Kelly Sheehan golfs with ex- athletes a lot. As the director of golf sales for Casa de Campo Resort & Villas in the Dominican Republic, she gives lessons, hosts groups, and attends charity functions year- round. And many former sports stars — having found fame on turf, courts and ice rinks — end up cruising through their re- tirements on golf courses. So, of all the sports, which ag- ing athletes make the best golf- ers? RICHARD LAUTENS/TORONTO STAR “I’ve taught a lot of ex-athletes Host Joe Carter drives off the first tee at the Celebrity Skins Game on Wednesday at Eagles Nest Golf Club in Maple, Ont. over the years — I’d say baseball players, they’re usually the best in the game,” Sheehan says. “Football players, what I’ve found with them is, they had a mentality of always winning be- Still going strong, fore. Golf is a tough sport for them because they were so per- fect at what they did before — and golf is up and down.” There are, however, non-base- ball exceptions: “But you look at a guy like (basketball player) nine years on Steph Curry, he’s probably one of the best golf athletes we have out there.” The fundraiser’s success motivates Toronto baseball legend Sheehan, a PGA and LPGA professional, already has one Joe Carter to set higher goals to positively impact lives Joe Carter Classic Golf Tourna- ment under her belt, returning LIZ BRUCKNER come a staple in a lot of people’s To date, much of the more and kindness of strangers, and this summer after her first stint SPECIAL TO THE STAR calendars, and every year than $2.5 million raised has to witness how that act changes last year. She says it was an easy It’s not every star-studded there’s a host of well-known helped high-risk youth, families the way they view the world.” decision to come back. fundraising tournament that personalities and sponsors who in financial and emotional As for Carter, he says it’s the “I play in a lot of these celebri- can repeatedly build on its want to be part of it,” says need, children living in foster privilege of giving back that mo- ty events, for networking and achievements year after year, James Dodds, co-chairman of care, funded 15 scholarships for tivates him to set higher fund- for my position with Casa de but it’s a feat the Joe Carter the Joe Carter Classic and a TD deserving students who could raising goals year after year. Campo,” Sheehan says. “And I’ll Classic Golf Tournament con- Bank Group vice-president. not have otherwise afforded to “My initial goal in starting this tell you what, I heard a lot about tinues to pull off, even nine “From my perspective, it’s in- pursue post-secondary educa- was to impact lives in a commu- Joe’s event — it being one of the years post-inception. credible to know that after nine tion, and the list goes on. nity I love, and, in particular, best — and it really was.” Ranked as the top celebrity years, the momentum behind According to Valerie McMur- the lives of kids who need it Since launching in 2010, the golf event in North America, this event is continually try, president and CEO of the most. Seeing the success of this Joe Carter Classic has brought the itinerary has included a ce- mounting. There’s constant in- Children’s Aid Foundation, fundraiser over the years has together a wildly eclectic group lebrity skins golf game and a terest from recognizable cur- which is the principal recipient been amazing, and while we of golfers and supporters: from golf tournament at Eagles Nest rent and former athletes, mu- of the funds raised by the tour- purposely don’t mess with the Charles Barkley to Wayne Golf Club in Maple, Ont., and an sicians, actors and comedians, nament, beyond the daily bene- structure of the event — we’ve Gretzky, Trish Stratus to Char- exclusive after-party in Toron- not only because it’s a great fits the money raised has found a formula that works so lie Sheen, Snoop Dogg to John to, and this year, to coincide cause with a wonderful team of brought to the lives of the thou- there’s no need to alter it — Legend. with the 25th anniversary of volunteers working behind the sands of recipients, the contin- there’s always the aim to maxi- After such a successful run in Carter’s epic game-winning scenes to make it seamless, but ual awareness Carter brings to mize our ability to raise more 2017, Sheehan says Casa de home run that earned the Blue also because of the person some of the most neglected, money than the year before.” Campo has decided to return as Jays the 1992/93 World Series championing it,” Dodds says. abused and vulnerable youth in When that happens, he says, it a sponsor and donate a four- win, there was also a Jays game “The bottom line is, Joe Carter Canada has been invaluable. presents a great opportunity to night hotel stay to every partici- on June 19. is a great man and when he’s “What Joe has done is incred- be able to help deserving young pant this year. The game reunited Carter part of something like this, peo- ible, and I can’t say enough men and women further them- “Going into the tournament, I with a host of his former team- ple want to get involved and about how this foundation has selves and succeed in whatever didn’t know much about (the mates and sports celebrities, offer their support.” shined a light on an almost in- they’re pursuing. charity),” she says, “and then to among them: Roger Clemens, It’s this involvement and sup- visible cause while also helping “I believe it’s important that learn that they have raised $2.5 Ed Sprague, and Mitch Wil- port from many sponsors and to make an impact on so many they know we’re in their corner, million to date for the Chil- liams of the Philadelphia Phil- donors that has done much to people in the process,” she says. and that they’re encouraged to dren’s Aid Foundation of Cana- lies, who threw Carter’s series- benefit needy families living in “It’s truly amazing to see some- believe in themselves. Some- da … That’s pretty top-notch of winning pitch. and around the GTA since the one who has never had a help- times it’s outside encourage- Joe to step up to the plate — no “The three-day event (June Joe Carter Classic began in ing hand in their life be com- ment that makes the differ- pun intended there — and re- 19-21 this year) itself has be- 2010. pletely moved by the generosity ence.” ally take care of the founda- tion.” Her profile on the Joe Carter Classic website is quick to state the obvious: Sheehan has been Fuhr won’t shut out recognized as one of the most beautiful women in golf. So, with that title to her name, who would she choose as the most charity tournament beautiful male golfer? “That’s a tough one, there’s so many,” she says and laughs. RACHEL NAUD Aid Foundation of Canada, as “This is one I’d lose sleep over SPECIAL TO THE STAR well as other children’s chari- because I know a lot of the tour Grant Fuhr might be a five-time ties. Fuhr says, in the past, the players and they’d be after me if Stanley Cup winner and a sev- event has seen him golf with I didn’t say their name.” en-time All-Star but, as far as he corporate executives from well- Finally, after a lengthy pause, is concerned, Joe Carter and his known brands including Nike RICHARD LAUTENS/TORONTO STAR she decides: Mr. Scott is hot. charity event is worthy of the and Air Canada. “It’s always a great event,” former hockey goaltender Grant Fuhr “Everybody loves Adam Scott. brightest spotlight. “You never know who you are says. “And it’s always fun to come back to Toronto.” I would say most people would The former hockey goaltend- going to be paired up with,” says say Adam Scott. I think all of er, best known for his career Fuhr. “That’s part of the fun. he says the best part about par- Desert, Calif. America and Canada would with the Edmonton Oilers, has You get to meet new people.” ticipating is helping the kids. “Hockey and golf are similar,” agree with me on that one.” participated in the Joe Carter He also says the event has “Education is very impor- he says. “As a goalie, you have to Classic at least four or five times awarded him the opportunity tant,” he says. “Participating in concentrate for hours. The and planned his return this to meet other athletes that he, sports is also important. It hand-eye co-ordination in both year. too, admires and wouldn’t have steers youth in the right direc- sports is pretty similar.” “It’s always a great event,” says had the chance to meet other- tion. I think growing up, you Other than that, Fuhr says he’s Fuhr. “And it’s always fun to wise. learn values from sport. You been keeping busy attending come back to Toronto.” “I have met guys that I have learn teamwork. You learn to other charity events and, in the This year marks the 9th annual watched on TV, like (basketball respect your opponents,” he winter, he works as director of a Joe Carter Classic Golf Tourna- stars) Michael Jordan, Charles says. “Anytime you can help golf course in California. ment, which pairs avid golfers Barkley and other elite ath- give back and have fun, it’s Even with his busy schedule, with celebrities from the sports letes,” says Fuhr. “And, thanks worth coming back.” he says he’ll always make time and entertainment worlds. All to the event, these people have But just because the event is for the Joe Carter Classic and proceeds from the tournament turned into my friends. I’ve for charity, doesn’t mean Fuhr would encourage other athletes RICHARD LAUTENS/TORONTO STAR go to help kids in need. In fact, been pretty lucky.” isn’t prepared to bring his best to do the same. PGA and LPGA pro Kelly since its inception in 2010, the While Fuhr says he has the game. In anticipation of the “I was lucky enough to play a Sheehan already has one event has raised $2.5 million, time of his life every time he tournament, Fuhr says he’s game for a living and it’s an ho- Joe Carter Classic Golf which benefits the Children’s attends the Joe Carter Classic, been playing some golf in Palm nour to be able to give back.” Tournament under her belt. S6⎮TORONTO STAR THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2018 ON0 ON SPECIAL REPORT: JOE CARTER CLASSIC McMahon Duthie: a force on the course is all about TV broadcaster wants to support charities — helping and have some fun, too the kids NINA DRAGICEVIC SPECIAL TO THE STAR NINA DRAGICEVIC James Duthie, TSN broadcast- SPECIAL TO THE STAR er and all-around sports jester, It’s a Toronto-area event, so ob- is a dangerous man on the golf viously an Arizonan is going to course. mention the weather first. His 2011 collection of humor- “I remember that first day was ous columns, The Day I (Al- not good weather last year — I most) Killed Two Gretzkys, was freezing my butt off,” foot- takes its title from his marquee ball legend Jim McMahon says, anecdote — the time his golf gruff-voiced but teasing. He’s club nearly became an instru- talking about his second stint at ment of death for the hockey the Joe Carter Classic Golf legend (Wayne) and his father Tournament, the celebrity- (Walter). studded charitable event that Duthie had been taking part in has been taking place at the Ea- a practice session before a tour- gles Nest Golf Club in Maple, nament at Blue Mountain Golf AARON HARRIS/TORONTO STAR FILE PHOTO Ont., every summer since 2010. and Country Club in Colling- James Duthie, second from left, relishes an opportunity to support the Children’s Aid Foundation. But the former Chicago Bears wood, Ont. “First, I almost hit quarterback is quick to empa- Wayne in the head,” he says. ment this month. He joined the Fund of Canada, and has sup- from the broadcaster point of thize: “Toronto gets the same “And then two holes later, fundraising event for the first ported other causes for kids in view, you never really grow up kind of weather Chicago does, Walter disappeared — Walter time last year and admits he’s the past. in the sports world. Whether so I guess I’m kind of used to spends the entire day looking generally more careful these Of all the foundations out you’re playing it or whether that.” for golf balls — and right as I was days. Still, if you see the lean, there — from the environment you’re covering it. McMahon moved from Chi- in my backswing, his head pops grinning sportscaster behind to animal rights, and from poli- “There’s always that little boy cago to Scottsdale, Ariz., in 2010, out of this meadow, like a fox. you, a little extra vigilance tics to justice issues — it seems or little girl in you that’s out but still hops around the U.S. “And it was about 15 yards in wouldn’t hurt. many athletes have a fondness there dreaming … It’s kind of and Canada in the summer, at- front of me. So that was the day “I was going to say I avoid play- for children’s charities in par- like this Peter Pan world in tending various golf and charity I almost killed two Gretzkys.” ing behind anybody famous, ticular. Asked about this, Duth- which you never grow up.” events. It is, in fact, how he met But had he succeeded in fell- but that’s kind of hard at the Joe ie points out that a lot of ath- As for his own dreams, what Joe Carter and got involved in ing the first Gretzky, isn’t it like- Carter tournament,” he says. letes, post-career, start families would Duthie’s ideal golf four- his tournament. ly the game would have stopped “Maybe you could send out a and have young children in some look like? If he could pick “I met Joe over the years, I’d — and he wouldn’t have had a little all-caps warning message their lives. any famous teammates, past or be at different charity events, shot at the second? He laughs. at the end of this piece.” But beyond that, perhaps present? and we’d try to help each other “So the day I almost killed two Duthie relishes an opportuni- sports stars identify with their “Give me Muhammad Ali, give out,” he says. “Everybody pretty Gretzkys — separately,” he says. ty to support a group such as young fans. Sports, much like me Martin Luther King, and much has their own charities, “I wouldn’t have killed them the Children’s Aid Foundation childhood, is filled with big then — for laughs — give me and we try to support each oth- both.” of Canada. The TV personality dreams and magical moments. Rod Black,” he says, “the most er’s charities when we can. Duthie has returned to the Joe is already a volunteer ambassa- “I think we are all big kids,” he fascinating man alive — and the “It doesn’t take much for me Carter Classic Golf Tourna- dor for the Christian Children’s says. “I can certainly say that host of this tournament.” to get on a plane and meet a group of people, play golf and have a good time — and they can raise a lot of money and do Former CFL great work in their communi- Charity makes up quarterback ties.” Damon Allen McMahon enjoys the fund- is no stranger raising golf circuit — “I seem to a big part of Allen to charity — always get paired up with the he hosts beer people” — and lends his two other star power out freely, with a soft Former quarterback feels the Joe Carter Family Support tournaments spot for children’s causes and Fund. himself. foundations that help veterans sense of responsibility to “My parents taught me to give and their families. give back to community back to community,” he says. “I The Joe Carter Classic raises have known Joe for a long time money for the Children’s Aid RACHEL NAUD and he has such a big heart. Foundation of Canada, benefit- SPECIAL TO THE STAR Plus, I love the game of golf and ing children and youth in care. Damon Allen has scored his when you combine that with TANNIS TOOHEY/TORONTO STAR FILE PHOTO It’s a vulnerable population that share of touchdowns as a for- Joe’s personality, I will always faces many challenges: neglect, mer professional quarterback support him.” “I try to control my own desti- But football, and with what I abandonment, even homeless- and all-time leading passer. Yet, Allen is no stranger to charity. ny,” he says. “That’s just work- was able to do with the sport, ness. for him, participating in the Joe He also hosts two other tourna- ing hard and being involved in has awarded me the chance to McMahon is no stranger to Carter Classic is what gives the ments himself — one in Ed- things that put a smile on my impact people’s lives. That’s the life’s highs and lows — from CFL star major points in a per- monton to help those with au- face and bring peace and joy to biggest accomplishment. Char- championship glory to legal sonal way. tism and one in Toronto that me.” ity is a big component of who I trouble, Super Bowl rings to “Participating in the Joe Cart- supports moms suffering from That includes being involved am.” early onset dementia — and he er Classic gives you the poten- post-partum depression. in the Joe Carter Classic. “It’s He says helping out and giving hopes these children can find a tial to change people’s lives for What’s also integral, to his golf one of the best celebrity tourna- back is a valuable lesson he good place for themselves in the better,” says Allen, who game anyway, is his under- ments there is in Canada,” Allen learned growing up, and he rec- the world. played for the Toronto Argo- standing of weight transfer — a says. “You get to see and revisit ognizes that everyone’s lives are “I know (these kids) had some nauts from 2003-2007. “It’s skill he has perfected during his guys you have met before and different. tough times in their lives, but neat to see so many people life as a quarterback. we come from all walks of sport. “At the end of the day, it’s that doesn’t mean that they’re come together and make a dif- “I have a great feel for it,” he It’s still competitive but fun. about impacting people that hopeless,” he says. “There’s a lot ference in someone’s life. That’s says. “Most quarterbacks are The fact that it’s for a great may not have the resources,” he of life ahead, so they have to the most important. Every- good golfers.” cause just makes it better.” says. “Nobody’s story is going to make their own decisions, thing else is a stage to just have In addition to perfecting his Allen says, as a professional be the same. If you can help (about) what direction they fun.” This year will mark Allen’s swing, Allen has also been busy athlete, he feels a sense of re- someone along the way, why want to go. eighth year participating in the preparing the next generation sponsibility to give back when- not be involved? For me, it’s not “Be who you want to be, not event that benefits the educa- of players at his Quarterback ever he can. about collecting awards and who people expect you to be.” tion and development of Cana- Academy and telling his own “You have to have purpose in materials, it’s about the true im- Recently, McMahon has been dian youth through the Joe story in a book he’s writing with life,” he says. “I am not sup- pact of giving of time and ser- publicly vocal in his support of Carter Scholarship Fund and his brother. posed to just be playing football. vices.” medicinal marijuana, part of his own treatment for ailments fol- lowing a career in a physically punishing sport. When he hears that Canada is Clemens believes it’s important to help legalizing cannabis this sum- mer, his voice lights up — but RACHEL NAUD event go toward supporting the take the time to lend a hand and the golf tournament is landing SPECIAL TO THE STAR education and development of write a big cheque for children before legalization takes effect. When it comes to the Joe Cart- Canadian youth through the and charity.” “I’ll definitely be back when er Classic, star pitcher Roger Joe Carter Scholarship Fund In anticipation for the big it’s legal,” he says. “We’ve been Clemens says Carter — also a and the Joe Carter Family Sup- game, Clemens admits he’s lied to over 100 years about this former professional baseball port Fund. Clemens is a first- been hitting a few balls for prac- plant, it’s about time people player — hits it out of the park, timer at the event and says tise. wake up and stop believing all every time. Known as “The what drew him to participate “If they let me throw a couple, the crap that they heard about Rocket” for his 24 seasons was the mix of doing good while I’ll be really good at it,” he says Former pitcher Roger Clemens it.” pitching in the Major Baseball playing a sport he loves. and laughs. is in awe of what Joe Carter So he’ll be back. And he has League, Clemens says he’s in “It’s a great way to get together While Clemens says his base- does for children in need. time for one last dig. awe of what Carter does for To- and enjoy the game of golf,” he ball skills might not translate “I look forward to coming to ronto and children in need. says. “When you spend four onto the golf course, he says “They have worked really Toronto and seeing some good “There are so many guys that hours on a course with different spectators and participants hard to work on their skills,” he friends, and hopefully the give back to the community and people, from fundraisers to ath- alike can expect a good game. says. “What I’m really proud of weather will be really nice this what Joe does for Toronto is letes, it’s a great deal of fun. You “All athletes have a compet- is the fact that Kacy just gradu- year — nice and warm.” incredible,” says Clemens. “Joe get to meet cool people and get itive nature and you’ll be able to ated from business school and has been able to support and more personal with them. And see that,” says Clemens. “It will Cody will graduate from com- keep this event growing for they get to see you out of uni- translate into some really great munications school. It’s not an nine years. He’s a huge recog- form.” golf.” easy thing to do, while taking on nizable force in Toronto. I think Still, despite the thrill some Another event Clemens is a professional career in base- we’re all looking forward to hav- sponsors might get from swing- looking forward to is seeing his ball.” ing fun and helping him contin- ing some clubs with their favou- son, Kody, play for the Detroit And, when they reach the level ue his legacy for charity.” rite celebrities, Clemens says Tigers. His other son, Kacy, also of their 11-time All-Star father, Clemens will be among the the real heroes of the event are plays for the Toronto Blue Jays. Clemens hopes they’ll also fol- athletes participating in the 9th the ones funding the charities. And while Clemens says he is low in his footsteps when it annual Joe Carter Classic Golf “As athletes, we get to get out absolutely a proud papa, wit- comes to charitable giving. Tournament that sees sponsors there and be in the forefront. To nessing his sons following his “As a public figure, I think you pair up with professional ath- me, the paying customers — the footsteps, he is just, if even have to do it,” he says. “At some letes and other celebrities in a big sponsors that get behind more proud, of their other ac- point, it’s important to give Jim McMahon enjoys game of golf. Proceeds from the event — are the heroes. They complishments. back.” the fundraising golf circuit. ON0 ON THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2018 TORONTO STAR⎮S7 SPECIAL REPORT: JOE CARTER CLASSIC

PROFILES MEET THIS YEAR’S JOE CARTER SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

“We are very fortunate to Ashley Ash, Suzie Brooks and Jada Kinnaird have a couple of have many dedicated volunteers, sponsors, things in common. They’ve survived challenging childhoods with celebrities and participants career aspirations, and now they’re recipients of a Joe Carter who take part in the tournament year after year Scholarship to help them achieve their goals. Funded by proceeds and are committed to from the Joe Carter Classic, the scholarship enables youths who giving children in need an opportunity for a better life are transitioning out of the child-care system to pursue a ahead.” post-secondary education. Read these three young women’s JAMES DODDS CO-CHAIRMAN OF stories here, by Rick McGinnis. THE JOE CARTER CLASSIC

RICK MCGINNIS PHOTOS/FOR THE TORONTO STAR Ashley Ash will work as an intern at a legal aid Suzie Brooks does muay thai and jiu jitsu to Jada Kinnaird says growing up in the child-care clinic this fall. help maintain her mental health. system has given her a unique skill set. ‘No One’s Girl’ Fanning ‘I could do advocating for the spark to more than children build things was expected’

Four years ago, when Ashley Ash heard she’d Four years ago, admits Suzie Brooks, she skipped Jada Kinnaird’s goal of a career in law enforce- won the Hilary Weston Writers Trust award for school to watch a movie being filmed in her ment begins with what would, for many people, “No One’s Girl,” an autobiographical essay she’d hometown. The old market square in Kingston, be a painful memory. “When they take kids away written for a high school English class, the first Ont., had been transformed into 19th-century from their parents they have to bring police thing she did was run from her math class to her Buffalo, N.Y., and Suzie took in every detail, fasci- officers in. And when I was being taken away creative writing teacher’s office. nated. from my parents — which wasn’t a very fun “I didn’t have to say a word. He saw it on my “They’d turned our whole market square into experience — I had this big, brutish man pull me face,” she recalls. this 1800s market with dirt on the ground, no away. The essay, which was later published in Mac- more roads, old wooden stands and green “And I’m sure he was a lovely man, but I think lean’s magazine, told her story — born in the screens everywhere and I thought it was amazing that this was a situation where someone more slums of Amritsar, India, adopted by a Canadian that they could do that, and make our modern nurturing — a man or a woman — would have family, a troubled adoptive mother, stays in foster market square look like it was in the 1800s.” been a lot more helpful, to make that traumatic homes, suicidal thoughts, then a third family and It lit a spark that she was able to explore in class. experience not so traumatic for me. Being something like a happy ending. “I took a film program in my final year of high thrown in the back of a car as a kid by some big It was a pivotal moment in Ashley’s life. “It was school and learned about green screens and ed- dude is not very comforting, so I think the fact validation that I had a way of writing that spoke iting and setting up film sets and thought it was that I’m too nice would give me a unique skill set to people and that touched something in other so much fun. I’d also taken a theatre program in dealing with sensitive issues.” people, and a lot of people reached out to me and where we built our own set, and part of me Growing up in the child-care system, Jada talks said it really impacted the way they saw young wanted to be on both sides, even though I was about the time spent at Variety Village as being people in care and that they’re looking at adopt- performing.” like a second home. She began going there when ing or fostering. And that’s huge as writers — we At school, her favourite class was English, and she was 9 with her synchronized swimming want to be able to connect with other people.” her ambitions literary. She decided she wanted to team, and went back years later to work as a Since moving on to study law, Ashley, now 21, try to tell the story of her life, much of it spent in volunteer. was surprised to discover that she wanted to group homes in the child-care system and quite a “I was just inspired by all the people there,” says practise as a child care advocate, in the same bit different from that of her friends — “from Jada, now 20. “It’s all the people in society who system she thought she wanted to escape. couch surfing at friends’ houses at 13 to meeting people don’t have very high expectations of, do- “I wanted to remove myself from the system my biological father at 18. I think some of these ing incredible things. One lady, she was a double and from social work, and it just kind of hap- things might entertain people but they also amputee and she was doing triathlons. I would pened as a fluke when I was in my first year and I might help people.” walk through this building and these people were realized that I actually could provide a good Suzie, now 21, was also diagnosed in high school doing way more than was expected of them, and I viewpoint, from having lived experience. I actu- with borderline personality disorder, which she thought since I was born with a disadvantage I ally could see myself in this profession; I could be learned to cope with at the gym. “I started to go to could do way more than was expected of me, as that social worker that I wish I’d had growing up.” the gym regularly, and I joined a jiu jitsu class and well. So I found my home there.” With an internship at a legal aid clinic for kids I started doing muay thai and I found that it Jada remembers her synchronized swim team set for the fall, Ashley has had time to think about actually helps you. Especially with borderline as a lifeline during a troubled time. “It gives you the role she can play for kids such as herself, in a personality disorder, if you’re ever feeling in an so much confidence because you’re accomplish- child-care system she recalls as often confusing. instant that you’re just sad or mad, right away you ing something. After school you go to practice “The worst thing is that there’s a lot of tran- just go to the gym and use that energy and con- and you know that whatever sport you’re in, siency, a lot of instability in your life, and a lot of vert it into something that will help your mental you’re better, faster, more flexible. It was some- young people have multiple moves in one year. health, and that’s really been helpful.” thing I could accomplish and feel really good You’re changing your address, your school, your It was only later, while studying English, that about myself. friends. It’s huge.” she rediscovered her interest in building things, “It’s also really important for young girls who, in “You don’t know why you’re moving, you don’t which began when she was little. “I never had a their teens, tend to drop out of sports, to keep know where you’re going. You’re confused about dresser, so I would build a makeshift dresser out themselves in it because it teaches them dis- what’s going on, and in my experience a lot of of cardboard and tape, which was always a lot of cipline. I became a better student because of it — people didn’t tell me what was going on. I do a lot fun.” I couldn’t procrastinate because I didn’t have the of advocacy work now and that’s one of my hug- Later experience helping renovate a basement time.” est issues. My thing is ‘Nothing about me without to make bedrooms for her and her sister — “It Most important of all, she says, is the sense of me.’ You can’t say anything or talk about me was a lot of fun” — gave her more experience with community she had on her swim team, and the without me there.” building and furniture making. She shifted her refuge it gave her as a youth in care. Looking back, though, she says that her time focus at school from English to carpentry, and “There’s nothing more important to a youth in spent in care helped her find a strength she says ultimately wants to work building sets for thea- care than a support system of individuals who she shares with other kids like her. tre, TV and movies. care about him or her, because some people “A lot of people don’t realize that young people “I thought I could probably do this, and I could aren’t lucky enough to get that right off the bat.” in care are so smart. We are so intelligent because do it well, and I could create furniture and use it A community, Jada adds, is “where you get all we have to be — there is no room for failure to build movie or play sets. I’ve always wanted to the warm and fuzzies, for lack of better words — because you have to do well, you have to be the be part of the entertainment industry, and I think the stuff you go to bed at night thinking about. best you can be. We’re very smart socially and maybe the best way of getting my foot in the door “It’s what helps you build yourself as an individ- emotionally, because you just learn those skills is working with the crew. Building sets is one of ual, that there are people you can live a life with. early on, you learn to grow up very quickly, so a those ways I could help create this image I have It’s not just a system, like where you visit a lawyer lot of us are mature in a lot of ways at a very young in my head, or I could help create someone else’s or a social worker. A community gives you mem- age.” vision.” ories.”