A teen formerly in foster care thanks all who helped her along the way. Here are excerpts from an article in Fostering Families Today magazine:

I understand that it takes someone with a big heart to be a foster parent. You see, foster parents have a tough job showing an abused child who has entered the system how to love and care. They have to let children know that they can be trusted.

To foster parents everywhere, I’d like to say thank you for all that you do for children. You do have an impact on a child’s life. If it were not for my foster parents’ willingness to open their home and hearts to me as a child, I’m not sure where I would be today. I can only imagine that I was saved from a life of living on the streets, being on welfare, a teen parent and a high school dropout.

I was fortunate to maintain a close relationship with my foster family after I left the system. I love them deeply and they will always remain Mom and Dad to me. Thank you to everyone who has helped me and who took the time to make a difference in my life. You are all my heroes for the efforts you gave. To all foster parents everywhere, keep up the good work!

By Jennie L. Hinkley, Foster Care Alumnus