My family has come together through foster and adoption, and we have Raise the Future to thank for bringing greater ease to our day-to-day over the years. In addition to taking Family Support classes, I’ve served on Raise the Future’s board for 8 years and worked with Raise for more than 15 years. The opportunity has given me a clear picture of our impact, our commitment to serving vulnerable children, and how our community can help every young person have the family and future they deserve. It has been an honor to support Raise the Future’s work through my own giving and to bring others in my life into our mission. 

My years working with Raise the Future have only deepened my appreciation for our Family Support classes. Like many foster and adoptive parents, these classes helped me better support my children’s individual needs, most importantly in understanding that big feelings and difficult moments often come from unmet needs. Raise the Future does so much more than connect children with caring adults - they understand the challenges and the beauty of this journey, and they give us the tools to help kids know they are truly loved. 

Other foster and adoptive parents often ask me about my experience growing my family this way, both in Family Support classes at Raise the Future and in life, and people are especially curious about the harder parts of our story. I’m proud to be a source of comfort and support for others who are opening their hearts and lives to children who need them. For me, this shared understanding and the chance to offer my own perspective and connect others to Raise the Future are invaluable as our community continues to show up for children and families. 

My life as a foster and adoptive parent always shapes my support for Raise the Future. I share this experience with a few other board members, and I know it deeply influences how we support each other, our staff, and, of course, how I share our mission with others in my life.  I invite you to join us as we work to reach even more children and families each year. You can support Raise the Future; our door is always open!