Finding Hope in a Loving Community
Last summer, FYI youth Mariah* confided that her two teenage sisters had run away from their adoptive home in another state and were staying with her. Lisa* and Michelle* had been adopted by a family member after spending four years in the L.A. County foster care system. However, this was not a happy adoption. Their adoptive parent had been neglectful and abusive to the girls, locking them out of the house, never providing enough food or hygiene products, and having an unsafe, unsanitary home with bug infestations. Numerous reports had been made to the local child welfare department, but no action was taken. After the girls ran away, their adoptive parent never reported them missing. They were on their own, with no one but their 22-year old sister to help them out. FYI desperately wanted to provide support, but because Mariah had relocated to Lancaster, there was little we could do.
Last month, Mariah was approved for low-income housing in Santa Clarita and moved into an apartment with her sisters. Within days of their move, both Lisa and Michelle came to the FYI office for their welcome (intake) meetings. A few days later, their FYI coordinator took both of the girls to enroll at a local charter high school. They met their teacher, received their first assignments, and learned how to take the bus to and from school. After a long absence, both were thrilled for the opportunity to return to school and earn their high school diplomas!
Lisa and Michelle attended FYI’s Friendsgiving event and began connecting with their FYI peers. Both have been paired with their Allies and are receiving an outpouring of support, not only from FYI, but from the Santa Clarita community. Tidings for Teens provided each with a $125 Old Navy gift card so they could purchase clothing. One generous couple purchased beds and a Christmas tree for the girls and also delivered them and set them up! A local church fulfilled their requests for towels, bedding and other household needs and brought them a Thanksgiving meal! On Saturday, the sisters will attend FYI’s holiday party and receive gifts that were lovingly purchased by their wishlist sponsors.
Within the past month, Lisa and Michelle’s lives have completely changed. They are going to school, living in a home where they feel safe, receiving encouragement and guidance from their Allies, and are surrounded by a loving community.
*Names changed to protect privacy