By Bonnie Williams | Manager of Development
Not every 10th-grader can stand in front of 300+ adults and speak with wisdom, humility and humor but Ty did just that at an event to honor people who have helped for foster youth in Los Angeles County. He received a standing ovation.
Ty is in foster care and lives in a group home. He participates in Kidsave’s Weekend Miracles program which finds permanent families and lasting connections for older youth growing up in the Los Angeles County foster care system. After attending a few of Kidsave’s monthly events, Ty was matched for hosting with Lacey and Eric in 2018. As mentors, Lacey and Eric commit to spending time with Ty at least twice a month for a year. They see each other regularly and talk on the phone daily.
Lacey and Eric learned about Kidsave’s Weekend Miracles program and thought it would be a great way to volunteer, be supportive and serve as positive role models in a foster child's life. They have opened many doors for Ty and have shown him that a positive, meaningful future is possible. Ty says, “It’s good to know that somebody cares and I am not alone. Eric and Lacey are making a difference in my life. They and Kidsave are trying to help me find an adoptive family.” Ty dreams of running for political office and would like to help other kids have what he has with Eric and Lacey -- a lasting connection to caring adults.
Ty shared a simple but profound message in his speech. “When people read about a kid like me -- a kid in the system – they get a picture in their minds, and they miss who I really am. Through Kidsave, Eric and Lacey got to see that I’m way more than what’s on paper. They provide advice and guidance, and they help me a lot with school.”
Children in foster care are intelligent, observant, talented, and often wise beyond their years. Ty says, “A group home is not a home. There are no parents, the staff come and go. It made me realize how much I want a family. So, I told my social worker and she told me about Kidsave. The first Kidsave event felt different. People at Kidsave are so outgoing they make you feel like you are at home. I met Eric and Lacey at the first event I went to, and over time I felt comfortable with them.”
Kidsave is helping the public discover that and is inspiring families to open their hearts and homes to youth in need of permanency. Currently, 50 foster youth are participating in Kidsave’s Los Angeles Weekend Miracles program.
“I won’t let my past define me,” Ty says. “I simply can’t. I can’t own up to those stereotypes people have. I am learning trust and to believe in my dreams and make them my reality.”
Kidsave is looking for an adoptive family for Ty. To learn more read his bio https://www.kidsave.org/tyrae-la/
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