FROM FOSTER CARE TO FAMILY
Creating Lasting Change This National Adoption Month
As someone who has experienced adoption, both in the natural and in the spirit, National Adoption Month holds a unique place in my heart.
Growing up, I faced the realities of orphanhood, foster care, and the need for a permanent, loving family. These experiences taught me firsthand about the complex, often overlooked needs of children in foster care and those navigating adoption. They also opened my eyes to the powerful role that community can play in shaping the lives of vulnerable youth.
In the United States, over 400,000 children are in foster care on any given day. These young lives are marked by significant transitions, often without the stability many take for granted.
The process of adoption and foster care can be transformative—but it’s also challenging. It requires unwavering support not only from the immediate family but also from the surrounding community.
How Can We Support?
Mentorship and Advocacy: One of the most impactful ways to support youth in foster care is through mentorship. Consider mentoring a child or teen in foster care, offering them guidance, stability, and encouragement. Organizations nationwide provide opportunities to connect with foster youth in need of caring adults who can show up consistently.
Community and Resource Support: Families who foster or adopt often encounter significant challenges, including financial and emotional stress. Offering practical support—whether through meals, supplies, or by helping out with childcare—can make a meaningful difference. Churches, businesses, and individuals can collaborate to create support networks, ensuring foster families don’t feel alone.
Raising Awareness: Simply learning more about foster care and adoption can be transformative. By understanding the realities and advocating for policies that protect and uplift vulnerable youth, we contribute to a larger movement. Sharing information, volunteering at local agencies, and talking openly about these topics help to reduce stigma and create a culture of empathy and support.
Becoming a Resource Parent: For those ready to make a long-term commitment, fostering or adopting a child can change a life. While it is a decision that requires careful thought and readiness, the rewards are profound. Every child deserves a stable, loving home—and you could be the person who provides that.
Why This Matters
Supporting youth in foster care and adoption is more than an act of charity; it’s a chance to change lives, including our own. These children are our future leaders, creators, and dreamers. Every small act of support creates ripples that extend far beyond the initial impact, building a stronger, more compassionate community.
During this National Adoption Month, I invite you to consider how you can be part of the change. Whether it’s through mentorship, advocacy, or simply learning more, your involvement matters deeply.
Let’s work together to give every child a future filled with love, hope, and opportunity.
Stay Inspired,
Sharlene
