I think all of us instinctively understand that relationships matter, but for foster children in the system, this is even more profound. These children are in the system because of broken relationships and we’ve learned over the years that the trauma in their life can only be healed by relationships. However, building trust with adults is beyond scary for these children.
A study by Harvard University revealed that the single most important factor for a child who ends up doing well is that the child had at least one stable and committed adult in their life. More or less, a relationship with one caring adult.
Hope & A Future creates meaningful relationships with foster children through our camp programs, and then transformative relationships through our mentoring, life skills and scholarship programs. Over the years, we’ve seen this occur time and time again. We ultimately become an extended family for many of the children into their adult years.
I was recently reminded of this fact with this iPhone photo of the day!
This photo was taken six years ago this month at Jaime’s adoption ceremony. One of our volunteers was adopting Jaime, who was the oldest sibling of two foster children she had previously adopted. In front of the courthouse, this young man was surrounded by Hope & A Future volunteers and other adults who all care about him!
Over the years, we celebrated Jaime’s high school graduation, helped him enroll in college, hired him for repair work at our office, and sent him to driving school!
Our relationship with Jaime continues today and our focus on relationship is key for every foster child in our programs. We understand that a committed, meaningful and supportive relationship over time will help foster children become a productive adults and a contributing members of society. Yes, relationships matter!
Again, thank you for your support and making a difference in Jaime’s life and in the lives of other Arizona foster children.
We can’t build meaningful relationships through our programs without your support. Please consider a gift to support us by visiting www.azhope.com or donating below and join us as we walk alongside and provide hope to Arizona’s foster children.
Michael Brewer
President