“I was 12 when I entered foster care, and for a while, it felt like nobody saw me. But then, everything changed when a local church stepped in. They didn’t just say they cared—they showed up. A couple volunteered to be my ‘wrap family,’ and suddenly, I wasn’t alone anymore. They’d bring meals every week, help me with homework, and even threw me my first real birthday party. I made friends who felt like a support system I could count on.
With their help, my grades improved, and I started to feel like I mattered. They weren’t just giving me a place to go—they gave me a sense of belonging. And they didn’t just support me; they worked with my caseworkers to make sure they had the resources and time to focus on finding a permanent home for kids like me. Because of their help, I wasn’t just another file to move through. I had a real chance at finding a forever family, and for the first time, I believed I could belong somewhere.
At the end of the day, when I had my own family, I had the tools to support them, a place to come back to, and people who’d visit. Now, I can dream about a future where belonging is just the beginning.”