Tell us a little about your business. – The Foster Care Closet of Nebraska (FosterCareCloset.org) is passionate about restoring dignity to youth in crisis. We bring the joy of choice through mobile shopping experiences. We travel as far west as Scottsbluff and catch Sidney, North Platte, Kearney and Grand Island. We then go to the north and serve Norfolk, Fremont and Winnebago. We have several shopping events in Lincoln during each season. When a child shops with us they get 5 tops and bottoms, 7 pairs of socks and underwear, 1 seasonal jacket, 1 pair of shoes and 1 pajama.
How did you get started in the business? – As a former foster child, adopted child, former foster parent and adoptive parent I understand the unique challenges that youth face. Something that has not changed since I was in foster care is the fact that youth continue to enter into care with only the clothing they are wearing. I couldn’t wait for someone else to do what needed to be done.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – I’m most proud of earning the respect from those who work in the foster care arena. I have worked hard to help foster care professionals, foster families and the youth understand that I am a fierce advocate to help improve our foster care system.
Tell us a little about your family. – I have a beautiful family. I have been married to my high school sweetheart for 41 years. We have 6 children and 3 grandchildren. We also have 1 cat and 1 dog to round out the family.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – I think one of the biggest turning points in my life was when I was chosen as an Inspire Award winner. The confidence it gave me to keep pushing forward, to know that others appreciated the work I was doing and how I was doing it was such an amazing feeling. It also drives me to be better each day.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – I enjoy diamond art painting, fishing and playing pickleball. I also love to watch Husker sports.
Who inspires you? – A person who has been an inspiration in my life has been Dr. Tom Osborne. I started watching football when I was 11. I followed the team like most Husker fanatics. But I followed him because he was calm and kind. He set an example for others to follow.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – “The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty” – Winston Churchill
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Unyielding.
If you had a theme song, what would it be? – “Rise Up” – Andra Day.
If you could have a super power, what would it be? – To heal people’s broken hearts.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – A medical examiner.
What is your favorite local Lincoln restaurant? – Rodizio’s.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – Princess Dianna.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so (phone/email/business website)? – Leigh Esau | (402) 617 0667 | LeighEsau@FosterCareCloset.org | FosterCareCloset.org.