When we think of what it means to be a mother, we often think of endless love.
At LSF, we see how families experience both challenges and triumphs in unique ways. Across all our programs, we take pride in offering families a hand up rather than a handout. Our goal is to provide them with the resources and tools they need to build strong, resilient families. However, as we know, offering a hand up only works when the person receiving it is willing to extend theirs as well.
Karen was a mother who adored her children. For years, she lived the life of a happy housewife, doting on her kids and caring for them as mothers often do. But her life took a difficult turn when she began to struggle with substance abuse. Despite her efforts, she was unable to stay clean, losing jobs and relationships along the way. Eventually, Karen’s daughter, Tessa, was removed from the home.
This was the wake-up call Karen had needed for a long time. From that point on, she worked tirelessly with her LSF Case Manager, determined to do whatever it took to get her daughter back. Meanwhile, eight-year-old Tessa was terrified, unsure of where she would go after being removed from her mother’s care.
Tessa was fortunate to have a family member willing to step in—her 19-year-old brother agreed to foster her during the time their mother was away. Karen committed herself fully to the process of regaining custody, doing everything required to become the mother Tessa needed. Through her hard work and perseverance, Karen got sober and stayed that way. Today, she works at a hotel in Fort Myers, where she has quickly risen to a management position. Karen credits much of her success to her LSF Case Manager, Christina Diaz, who supported her every step of the way.
If you were to see Karen and Tessa together today, you’d see a family filled with an abundance of love. Tessa is thriving, and Karen has rebuilt her life into one of stability and happiness. Recently, the family took a trip to Disney World, a far cry from where their story began. Their journey is a powerful reminder of what is possible when a parent is given the right support and guidance. However, it’s important to remember that not every story ends this way. Not all parents make such a swift turnaround, and not all children have a family member like Tessa’s brother who can step in to care for them.
For many children, the absence of willing or able family members means entering the foster care system. This is why supporting or becoming a foster parent is such a significant and much-needed responsibility. By opening your heart and home to a child in need, you can give them a chance that other adults in their life may have failed to provide.
At LSF, we work every day to offer this same kind of opportunity to every child, family and community we serve across Florida. Whether through volunteering, donating or stepping up to become a foster parent, there are many ways you can help create the same kind of transformation that Karen and Tessa experienced. Each of us can play a role in supporting children and families on their path to a brighter future.
To learn more about fostering through LSF and how you can get involved, visit https://www.lsffamilyfocus.org/foster-parenting-lsf-family-focus/
