Some children grow up watching cartoons and dreaming of adventure. Others grow up watching quiet acts of love—moments that plant seeds of compassion deep within their hearts. That was the case for Ariel, who, from a very young age, witnessed the powerful impact of fostering through the example of her close relatives. While she may not have realized it at the time, those early experiences would shape her entire future. The Power of Witnessing Love in Action Ariel’s story doesn't start in a classroom or a psychology textbook, but in her living room. From a young age, she watched how her relatives opened their doors—and their hearts—to children in need. Some stayed for a few weeks, while others stayed for months or even years. All left a lasting impression. She recalls the toys shared, the birthdays celebrated, and the warm embraces exchanged. But more than that, she remembers the transformation. Children who arrived shy, scared, or closed off gradually began to bloom in the presence of consistent love and care. They laughed a little louder, smiled a little more freely, and started to trust. To Ariel, fostering didn’t just mean providing a home. It meant creating a haven where children could begin to heal, grow, and dream again. While many children her age were still learning the basics of kindness, Ariel was witnessing resilience, empathy, and the incredible strength it takes to love a child through their pain. A Seed that Grew into Service As Ariel grew older, the example her relatives set stayed with her. She often found herself drawn to causes that centered on children’s well-being. When she learned about Friends of Foster Children, she knew she had found a community that shared the same values she had been raised with. She began volunteering during school breaks, helping organize events, supporting fundraising campaigns, and showing up wherever she was needed. What started as a few hours here and there quickly became a passion. Whether it was wrapping holiday gifts or tutoring a child who had fallen behind in school due to multiple relocations, Ariel gave her time with the same kind of devotion she had once witnessed in her family. Volunteering wasn’t just something Ariel did—it became part of who she was. A Calling Turns into a Career While Ariel’s love for foster children was growing, so was her academic curiosity. She found herself captivated by how people heal, how trauma shapes us, and how relationships can rebuild what’s been broken. It didn’t take long for her to realize that she wanted to turn her compassion into a career. With a heart full of purpose, Ariel enrolled in a Master’s program in Clinical Psychology. It wasn’t easy—graduate school rarely is. But she brought with her a fire that couldn’t be extinguished. Every paper she wrote, every class she attended, and every late-night study session was motivated by her deep desire to help children who had endured more than most adults. And in the spring of this year, Ariel walked across the graduation stage, not just as a student, but as a symbol of how love and purpose can shape a life. Fulfilling a Promise to the Future To Ariel, her degree was never about titles or credentials. It was a promise fulfilled—a vow she made to herself and to the children whose eyes she had looked into while volunteering. She knew that completing her education was just the beginning. With her new skills and clinical knowledge, Ariel plans to work within the child welfare system to provide the kind of therapeutic support that so many foster children need. Her goal is simple but powerful: to help children and families realize their dreams, no matter how their stories begin. A Ripple Effect That Keeps Growing Ariel’s journey is just one story, but it shows the incredible ripple effect that fostering can have. Her relatives didn’t just change the lives of the children they welcomed into their home; they also inspired Ariel to dedicate her life to making a difference. And through her, countless more children and families will be impacted for years to come. That’s the beauty of this work. Every act of love creates waves that travel far beyond what we can see. Whether you’re a foster parent, a volunteer, a mentor, or a donor, your contribution matters. Just like Ariel, you have the power to change the course of a child’s life—and maybe even inspire the next generation of changemakers. How You Can Help Foster Dreams Children in foster care face challenges that most of us will never understand—but they also have dreams just like any other child. They want to feel safe. They want to be seen. They want to believe in the possibility of a better tomorrow. You Can Help Make Those Dreams Come True Volunteer with Friends of Foster Children. Whether you have an hour a week or a few days a month, your time can make an incredible difference. Help a child with their homework, mentor a teen aging out of the system, or lend a hand during special events. Foster a child. It’s not always easy, but it is always meaningful. Opening your home could be the beginning of someone else’s healing journey—and just like Ariel’s family, your act of kindness could inspire others to do the same. Donate to support programs that provide essentials, education, and emotional support for foster children. Every dollar helps us reach more kids, create more opportunities, and build stronger futures. Join Us in Making a Difference Ariel’s story is a testament to what happens when compassion is put into action. She reminds us that fostering isn’t just a system, it’s calling. A community effort. A promise to lift children up, even when life has let them down. At Friends of Foster Children, we believe in the power of stories like Ariel’s. They remind us that healing is possible, dreams are worth chasing, and love, especially the kind that shows up again and again, can change everything. Now It’s Your Turn Help foster children realize their dreams. Get involved today by volunteering , fostering a child , or making a donation . Together, we can make sure every child knows they are seen, valued, and deeply loved. Help caregivers provide loving homes for children in need. Your donation makes a difference today.

Becoming a foster parent is more than opening your home—it's opening your heart. For Jessica, that journey began five years ago. She didn’t know exactly what to expect, but she knew she wanted to be there for children who needed stability, safety, and love. One of Jessica’s first foster placements was a bright little girl named Mackenzie. She lived with Jessica for about a year, during a time when her mother, Elizabeth, was working through a difficult period. From the beginning, Jessica believed in the power of partnership. She maintained an open, respectful relationship with Elizabeth, always putting Mackenzie’s well-being first. Eventually, Elizabeth made great progress, and Mackenzie was able to return home. But unlike many stories that end with reunification, this one didn’t. Jessica, Elizabeth, and Mackenzie stayed in touch—because their bond had become more than just a foster care placement. They had become extended family. Three years later, life took another unexpected turn. Elizabeth found herself in financial hardship and living in her car. Determined to avoid losing Mackenzie to the system again, she turned to someone she trusted: Jessica. Without hesitation, Jessica stepped in—not as a foster parent this time, but as family. She welcomed Mackenzie back into her home through a “family arrangement,” giving Elizabeth the time and space she needed to get back on her feet. During those months, Elizabeth remained involved in Mackenzie’s life, helping with her care and schooling. Jessica didn’t see this as a burden; she saw it as what families do for each other. Four months later, Elizabeth secured stable housing and a better-paying job. She was ready to have Mackenzie come home again—and because of Jessica’s support, that reunification was smooth, dignified, and filled with hope. Jessica didn’t do it for recognition or reward. She did it because she cares. She did it because being a foster parent isn’t just a role—it’s a lifelong commitment to showing up when it matters most. Stories like Jessica’s remind us that foster parents are truly extraordinary. They don’t just care for children—they help hold families together when everything else is falling apart. And in that, they change lives. Help caregivers like Jessica provide loving homes for children in need. Your donation makes a difference today.