Sheniqua & Malinda Hamm

08/27/24 • 28 min

In the latest episode of The Anna Jinja Show, host Anna Jinja shares an emotional and deeply moving conversation with Malinda Hamm, the passionate advocate and author behind This Is Mine, My Story, My Life. With over 19 years of experience in social work, Malinda has poured her heart into supporting children and families, fighting relentlessly to keep children connected to their culture, community, and kin.

Malinda opens up about her journey in compiling the raw, unfiltered stories of individuals who’ve endured the foster care system, leading to the creation of the 90/Ten Project. This initiative is more than just a collection of stories—it’s a powerful effort to give back to the youth who’ve been through the system, offering them hope, support, and a voice.

Joining the conversation is Sheniqua, one of the brave contributors to Malinda’s book. Sheniqua courageously shares her personal story, recounting the profound pain of losing her grandmother and the struggles she faced while navigating a system that often felt cold and unforgiving. Now, at 31, Sheniqua is turning her pain into power, using her voice to advocate for change and to ensure that others don’t have to endure the same hardships.

This episode is a powerful testament to the resilience of those who’ve survived the foster care system and a heartfelt exploration of the importance of keeping children connected to their roots. It’s a call to action, urging listeners to join the fight for system change and to support those who are working tirelessly to create a better future for foster youth.

Don’t miss this deeply emotional episode, filled with raw stories, heartfelt reflections, and a powerful message of hope and change. Tune in to The Anna Jinja Show to hear Sheniqua’s story and discover how Malinda’s work is making a life-changing difference in the lives of countless children.
Creative Content:
Things may seem bleak at times....
In difficult times, we are made more aware
Of the resources that we have within ourselves
And therein lies our peace.
Peace is not the absence of conflict.
It comes from the ability to cope with that conflict.
Bear Heart (1918-2008), and Molly Larkin, from “The Wind is My Mother”

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Previous Episode

Traci Schermerhorn, Deonne Winkel, & Nick Kizirnis

In this compelling episode, we explore the profound power of community and the extraordinary connections that inspire change. Our journey begins with Jackie Haley, founder of Dream to Author, whose mission to empower aspiring writers led us to Lisa Even—a visionary committed to connecting with a million people. Lisa's dedication to forging impactful relationships introduced us to Traci Schermerhorn, president and co-founder of Foster Squad, and Deonne Winkel, whose personal story of adoption challenges and triumphs will resonate deeply.

Join us as we delve into the ripple effect of these connections, revealing inspiring stories of foster care, adoption, and the unwavering support of a community united by shared values. Tracy and Dionne’s heartfelt accounts demonstrate how love, faith, and a strong network can transform lives. Don’t miss this episode filled with hope, courage, and the boundless potential of human connection.

Tune in to discover how one introduction can lead to a lifetime of change.
From Nick Kizirnis and the song he selected for this episode: The song I chose is an older song of 50's-ish style ballad called "Bonfire Serenade" ... I performed this at a friends weddings and it was a bit hit with the little kids. Originally written as a romantic ballad, this one keeps coming up as a kids favorite when I play park events, and a reminder that sometimes we don't know what our songs are truly about until they reach someone else's ears. This song came to mind as I read about Deonne and the unexpected path her life took. It reminded me of how many times young children have danced to this song ... I must have had something else in mind all those years ago!”

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Next Episode

Mara Holt & Albert Rouzie

Join us for a special pet adoption edition of The Anna Jinja Show, where heartwarming stories and thought-provoking insights come together. Anna shares the touching tale of adopting her dog, Floyd Bushey Mather, nearly seven years ago in England. This episode delves into the profound bond between humans and their pets, showcasing how pet adoption can be a life-changing and deeply rewarding experience.
The episode also features a moving musical performance by special guests Albert Rouzie and Mara Holt, who perform "The Ballad of Lizzie Holt," a tribute to Mara's late dog, Lizzie. Through their music and personal stories, they discuss the deep connections we form with our pets and the lasting impact they have on our lives.
Tune in to experience these touching stories and a thoughtful discussion on the broader themes of adoption, belonging, and finding your true home—whether with a pet or a person. This episode is a beautiful reminder of the love and commitment we share with the animals and people who become our family. Don't miss it!
The Ballad of Lizzy Holt (Words and music by Mara Holt, May 19, 2013)
She roamed the Appalachian
Lookin’ for a home
She helped herself to rabbits and squirrels
Never hungry for long
Staying dry in rainstorms
Inside a hollow log
Black lips
No ear tips
And the paws of a larger dog
She slept with one eye open
Ready for a fight
Her long black coat and underfur
Kept her warm at night
But somewhere in her memory
She'd known a better life
Black lips
No ear tips
And the paws of a larger dog
The paws of a larger dog
The paws of a larger dog
Black lips
No ear tips
And the paws of a larger dog
She'd known love and belly rubs
And water in a bowl.
Someone who came home to her
And sometimes brought a bone
Table scraps and inside naps
And snuggles on the floor
Black lips
No ear tips
And the paws of a larger dog
One day she stood on Ladd Ridge Road
And caught a human scent
Feeling her pulse quicken
She hoped she’d found a friend
A man was calling out to her
With a smile and an open hand
Black lips
No ear tips
And the paws of a larger dog
The paws of a larger dog
The paws of a larger dog
Black lips
No ear tips
And the paws of a larger dog
Jumping in his beat-up truck
Wind blowing in her face
She smiled so broad as he took the dog
To the county rescue place
When her new friend up and left her
She didn’t understand
Black lips
No ear tips
And the paws of a larger dog
Once inside the shelter cage
She feared that this was home
Amid these smells and canine cries
She felt so all alone
She knew she would survive this
But it chilled her to the bone
Black lips
No ear tips
And the paws of a larger dog
The paws of a larger dog
The paws of a larger dog
Black lips
No ear tips
And the paws of a larger dog
One day the cage door opened
To a woman’s scent and voice
They walked along a gravel road
It was then they made their choice
She opened up her car door
I jumped in and barked “let’s go!”
Black lips
No ear tips
And the paws of a larger dog
They have a life together
Forged a solid bond
They love walks and dog park stops
And the same sweet-talking man
And if you like our story
Why don’t you sing along
Black lips
No ear tips
And the paws of a larger dog
The paws of a larger dog
The paws of a larger dog
Black lips
No ear tips
And the paws of a larger dog
The paws of a larger dog
The paws of a larger dog
Black lips
No ear tips
And the paws of