One of the biggest changes to the foster care system in East Texas is underway: privatization. “This transition does create challenges and there’s lots of need in our community,” said Smith County 321st District Court Judge Robert Wilson during the kickoff event for 4 Kids 4 Families at South Spring Baptist Church in Tyler.
It’s a new year and a new space for an organization serving East Texas foster families. The Fostering Collective is in the process of renovating their new office and resource center in Tyler.
For kids who enter the foster care system with siblings, it’s often their expectation they will be adopted as a unit. When this doesn’t happen, it’s a devastating blow to an already complicated journey for these children in waiting.
Kadence is a gentle, kind and curious teen. She told us about her hopes and dreams on her journey to a forever family during a walk around Darden Harvest Park in Lindale.
Activities like these are far and few between for the pair, since they’re now no longer cared for together in the Texas foster system. When we asked how often they’re able to see each other, they told us in unison, “about once a month.”
John’s unbreakable spirit sheds light on his unique and authentic wisdom at such a young age. That bright light is easy is see through his contagious sense of humor.
For many parents, finding a babysitter could be as simple as asking a family member or friend. That’s not the case for parents who take on the responsibility of fostering children in state care.
Adults between the ages of 18 and 27 can qualify for up to $1,000 a month for basic necessities including groceries, rent, cell phone bills, higher education, and more.
“Jayden is Jayden all by himself,” said his foster mom Kendrasha Gray. “He’ll look in a book and make up his own story as to what he thinks is going on.”
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, you could find Janet Taylor, found of the BECOME Community, standing in front of a nearly empty booth spreading an important message about the foster care crisis in Texas.
We know that there are more children facing these horrific situations and so now that school is back open, we expect our numbers to increase even more dramatically.
To celebrate this unique achievement and service to the East Texas community, socials workers and members of the foster care community arranged for a surprise retirement party at her home.
The need for protective masks is greater than it has been in decades and one East Texas organization is looking to get those masks into the hands of CPS case workers.
Free, Live Stream Concert for Healthcare workers on Facebook and Instagram, led by Christian recording artist, Leeland, featuring “Way Maker,” the viral hit inspiring healthcare workers across the nation.
Navigating high school as a sophomore can be difficult. Adding in the search for a forever family can make this time in a child’s life especially stressful.
“Today is my birthday,” Madison said as her chaperone sneaked inside. What would await this birthday girl was a surprise unlike anything she’s experienced before.
“First I'm going to go into the military and then I'm going to study to become a vet or a CPS caseworker,” said Kay’Dence. “I just want to be the first girl in our family to go into the military.”
For Alex, 15, every day is an adventure. "He's just such a good boy," said Alex's foster mother Yvonne Dixon. "I got him when he was 7 years old." Dixon's role as Alex's caretaker has been especially important for his health.
Unlike many children in foster care her age, she said she's not looking for the picture-perfect family. Hannah said she wouldn't mind having a single mother or father, or even a blended family.
John, Abigail, and Bryson are three siblings with smiles warm enough to fill your heart. The way they love life, despite not having parents, is something even more inspiring.
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