What an imagination! At age 7, Devon* could turn sticks into magic wands. If you gave him LEGO, he could build a fortress. If you gave him superhero action figures, he could save the world. Devon was happy to share with you what he created, but what he needed most took more than imagination. He needed a home.
Sierrah Urbanczyk is a Case Planner with Conners Children’s Center. She explained, “For some of our kids, it can be challenging to find a home. We are doing really good working with Foster Care, showing the families the greatness in the kids and how well they can do in their homes.”
Staff from Residential Services and Foster Care meet monthly to talk about how to best help children who are ready to leave residential care for a more home-like environment. Our Foster Care program makes sure new foster parents know when there is a child in care that needs them. It’s difficult to say how long it will take to find a good fit, but when it happens, “It’s a wonderful moment”, explained Foster Care Supervisor Nicholas Largo. “The overall goal and objective of foster care and residential is permanency. Whether that is adoption or reunification. It is a culmination of a lot of hard work on the part of the child, family, and the agencies.”
It’s bittersweet to say goodbye to a child in Residential care. Devon had to leave friends, but he is excited now to have his very own room and so much more. “You want the best for these kids.” Sierrah Urbanczyk said, “You want them to experience that great part of life of having somebody who you can trust and who will properly support you. I hope he knows that’s what he deserves.”
You help a child like Devon when you help Raise 716. If you would like to learn more about Foster Care, call (716) 882-0555.
*Name changed for confidentiality.