For the Cubs. A New Approach to Foster Support: Amy Vale

For the Cubs. A New Approach to Foster Support: Amy Vale

Author: Marcylle Combs March 12, 2025 Duration: 37:15

Did you know? On any given day, there are nearly 424,000 children in foster care in the United States. Meet Amy Vale, founder of For the Cubs, who has dedicated her life to supporting kids in foster care. With her personal experience as a foster parent and her professional expertise, Amy created For the Cubs to provide quality essentials for young children and support their transition, whether in foster care or returning to their families.

Born and raised in the Australian outback, Amy's early life was shaped by the diverse stories of international backpackers who visited her family's property. Amy transitioned from a successful marketing career with brands like Spotify to entrepreneurship. After undergoing foster care training, Amy knew she found a gap in the market. For the Cubs offers quality essentials for kids with durable products for eating, sleeping and soothing - all the aspects of nurturing belonging at home. With every order, For the Cubs gives back to kids in foster care with their partner One Simple Wish, embodying their mission to celebrate the beauty of belonging for all children. 

For the Cubs' hero product, Percy – a weighted plush bear designed to mimic a hug - is named after her late grandfather and embodies Amy's mission to provide comfort and belonging to every child. With every purchase, the company supports kids in foster care through One Simple Wish. Amy's vision for For the Cubs goes beyond business success. It's a testament to the power of love, connection, and the belief that every child deserves a chance to thrive. Through her work, Amy continues to honor her grandfather's memory while making a tangible difference in the lives of children in foster care.

Over the past two and a half years, Amy and her husband have fostered nine children while building For the Cubs into a purpose-driven brand.


Get in Touch With Amy

Website

InstagramFacebook

For Amy's Book Recommendations, visit Marcylle Combs


Hosted by Marcylle Combs, 50% with Marcylle Combs is built on the belief that women's voices and leadership are essential to every conversation. This podcast moves beyond surface-level interviews to explore the full spectrum of a leader's life. In each episode, Marcylle sits down with a woman who is actively shaping her field and community, delving into the real texture of her journey. You'll hear about the pivotal moments that defined her path, the obstacles that reshaped her direction, and the hard-won insights gathered along the way. These are not just success stories; they are honest accounts of professional and personal evolution, offering tangible advice for anyone looking to lead. By focusing on this depth, the podcast creates a platform where the diverse and inspiring narratives of women from various backgrounds, industries, and sectors take center stage. Tuning into this podcast means gaining access to a repository of experience, a source of solidarity, and a clearer understanding of what it means to build a meaningful career and life. It’s where ambition meets reflection, and where listening feels like joining a candid, necessary dialogue about progress and purpose.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

50% with Marcylle Combs
Podcast Episodes
Faith, Christmas, and the Spirit of Giving [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:03
This episode explores giving, love languages, holiday preparations, and the significance of faith during the Christmas season. In this heartfelt conversation, Deantha and Marcylle explore the significance of memories, th…
Navigating Grief and Wellness: Dr. Parul Dua Makkar [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:45
In this conversation, Marcylle Combs and Dr. Parul Dua Makkar discuss the profound impact of sibling loss, the importance of oral health, and the journey of advocacy in the face of grief. Dr. Makkar shares her personal s…
Breaking Barriers, A Female Leader's Perspective: Kash Rocheleau [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:53
In this engaging conversation, Kash Rocheleau shares her journey from being an executive assistant to becoming the CEO of Icon Foods. She discusses the challenges of balancing family life with a demanding career, the imp…
From Fear to Love. Trust Your Inner Truths: Jessica Joines [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:01
In this conversation, Jessica Joines shares her transformative journey from a successful corporate career to discovering her true purpose. She discusses the importance of overcoming fear and scarcity mindset, empowering…
The Journey of Reconnection: Anne and Heather's Striving Style Story [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:46
In this conversation, Marcylle Combs hosts Dr. Anne Dranitsaris and Heather Dranitsaris-Hilliard, who share their unique journey of reconnection after adoption and how it led to a successful business partnership. They di…
Mentoring Helps Entrepreneurs Succeed: Bridget Weston [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:40
In this conversation, Bridget Weston shares her inspiring journey from her mother's influence to her role as CEO of SCORE, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping entrepreneurs succeed. She discusses the challenges…
Building Trust and Diversity in the Workplace: Heather Smith [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:32
Heather Smith, founder of Talent Elevated, is an accomplished and recognized senior talent management leader with expertise in partnering with lower mid-market businesses to intentionally build employee culture that acce…
Sweet Conversations About Politeness, Mentorship, and More [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:01
In this conversation, Marcylle and Deantha explore a variety of topics ranging from their favorite Tootsie Roll flavors to the importance of leadership in politics. They share personal stories about breast cancer awarene…
Breast Cancer Education and Support: Terri Coutee's Mission [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:51
In this conversation, Terri Coutee shares her personal journey through breast cancer, including her diagnosis, treatment, and the decision to undergo the diep flap reconstruction procedure. She discusses the importance o…
Silver-Haired Influencer: Diane Gilman, Breast Cancer Survivor [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:32
In this conversation, Diane Gilman shares her remarkable journey from aspiring fashion designer to a successful tele-retail personality, overcoming personal tragedies, including the loss of her husband and her own battle…