To protect the privacy of children in the foster care system, the names and identifying details have been changed.
Fourth Grader Sets and Achieves Goals Through Youth Villages’ Foster Care Program
In 2022, 8-year-old Tommy entered the foster care program at Youth Villages with concerns of needing life-long assistance due to developmental delays. Now, at 10 years old, he has been honored for academic achievement and good citizenship at a local college basketball game.
Tommy is one of four siblings who have seen significant improvements since the addition of weekly visits from their foster care specialist. During those visits, Tommy and his siblings each get one-on-one time dedicated to their mental health and individualized needs. Their foster parents have played key roles by sitting down with him as he does his schoolwork, helping him gain the skills and confidence to study and complete his assignments.
“Working with Tommy and his family is the highlight of my week. It’s not often that you see improvements this drastic or this quickly, so I’ve just been proud to see his hard work pay off. I can’t thank the family enough for the role they’ve played in supporting him.”
Tommy’s teachers have also commented on how hard he has worked and have noticed his growth well beyond academics. He interacts much better with his classmates and now has good friends.
“Tommy is the first placement our family has had, and he is such a sweet kid,” his foster mom said. “I’ve really noticed his confidence grow over the last few months. His teacher is constantly bragging on his leadership in the classroom, and he is just a joy to have in our home.”
Most recently, Tommy was awarded the Star of Honor Award by his elementary school, where he is a fourth grader. To celebrate, Tommy and his family received tickets to a local college basketball game, where Tommy and other students from his school were honored.
Of course, it’s not all work and no play for Tommy. He loves video games, puzzles, playing with his brothers, and helping with the family dog. He doesn’t know exactly what he wants to do when he grows up, but he knows if he continues to work hard in school, the world will be at his fingertips.
f you’re interested in learning more about fostering, sign up for an upcoming virtual info session to connect with staff and learn more about the process. If you have any questions or can’t make any of the sessions, please call us at 1-888-MY-YV-KID or submit an inquiry here.
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