In seventeen years, FCNI has served 1,672 foster children/youth with an 85% overall success ratio.
 




A Mentor's Story - LIFE LESSON
"So I set out to change the world… and I learned it starts with one heart at time."

Inspired by my mother’s unconditional love for me and my family, I acquired the desire to serve others, especially children. So, when my fifth year in college came around and my time playing college softball ended, I knew it was time to invest my heart in a worthy cause. It was time to start giving back.

I came to know the Family Care Network through a local church service and fell in love with their mission statement and core values. I took the necessary steps to become a mentor and eventually I met my mentee match.

My mentee’s name is Jessica. She is a beautiful, bright-eyed girl who changed my life almost the instant I met her. At our first several meetings, Jessica’s wall of defense was so thick (and rightfully so) that sometimes we would go whole visits without her exchanging anything other than a cordial greeting with me. After several weeks of meeting, however, on the drive to a local cafe, Jessica suddenly let me into her world and started sharing her heart. After that meeting, Jessica began calling me even on days we did not meet; sharing her joys and sorrows, her school drama and even parts of her rough past. We finally began to bond and our relationship flourished. It was truly a beautiful thing to experience.

So, there was no changing of the world for me. Nor was there an extreme emotional makeover for my mentee’s life. However, there were Jessica’s smiles and laughter —glimpses of her changing heart.

From what I learned at the Family Care Network, I offer this encouragement to anyone who has a tough child to love on—you are doing good work. And no matter how small the act of kindness you are showing towards a struggling child is, they listen and will remember every tiny thing you do. Whatever you do—don’t give up!

*More Stories*