 Graduation is a HUGE milestone for every single youth, and for youth in foster care it's an even greater accomplishment. We know the dedication, tenacity, and focus it requires, and we know there are many people behind the scenes providing youth support to cross that finish line. This is why we want to celebrate our graduates in a HUGE way. This year we put together incredible graduation boxes for our graduates. These boxes included things like affirmation cards, journals, pens, notebooks, planners, diploma frames, gift cards to Target and Amazon (plus a Visa gift card!), a personalized item for every single youth, and fun things like candy, an instant camera with accessories, and a laptop or an iPad (with a case to protect it). The youth were so surprised!  After Derrick opened his gift, he picked up a napkin and wiped his eyes. He told his case manager,
"My eyes! They're sweating!" We are so proud of these five young adults for their hard work and perseverance. We know that great things are coming for them as they enter college and the workforce! Thank you for helping us make these gifts so incredible!  Patrick is a single dad of three. He has been a part of our Love Box Program since late last year when he was fostering three wonderful boys and has been supported by an incredible and dedicated Love Box leader. Patrick grew up without a father; he says "I didn't have any examples to go by." But this didn't stop him. He adopted his three boys and makes it his mission to be there for them as someone to protect them, nurture them, and guide them through life. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 18.3 million children (1 in 4) live without a biological, step, or adoptive father in the home. "All three of my boys have dads who weren't there. Like me, they didn't have anybody throwing a football. I want to have that with my kids. I want to watch them grow, watch them learn, watch them see and have things they weren't able to have, This is what being a father is, to be there for your family."  Patrick says growing up he had his mother teach him how to love. He says, "I pull from that example. I am a dad with a mother-sized heart." Patrick wants to give his three boys the space to be vulnerable and make mistakes. He wants them to know he will always have their back and be there to ride this journey together.
To all of our fathers: Those who are fostering or kinship fathers Those who are adoptive fathers Those who have strained father relationships Those who are biological fathers Those who have strained child relationships Those who have lost children Those who have lost fathers Those who have chosen not to be fathers Those who yearn to be fathers ...to all of you, we celebrate you. Happy Father's Day!  This month we recognize the people and efforts around the country that help families stay together. We also want to celebrate the families who have gone above and beyond to provide a healthy home for their children. Watch the video below to learn more about reunification from National Angels’ Chief Program Officer!.  |
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November 2021
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info@austinangels.com Mailing Address: 9901 Brodie Ln. Suite 160, PMB 255 Austin, TX 78748 Physical Address: 401 FM 967 Buda, TX 78610 |
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