Daniel and James have resided with a Mother/Daughter foster family, one of Building Families for Children’s treatment foster homes, for more than two years. They currently attend High School. Daniel is in the 10th grade, and James is in 12th. Both boys are active in an Independent Living Program. Last year, they were elected to sit on the Advisory Board, where they talk about pertinent topics, program content, and activities. The board serves to empower youth to have a positive effect in their communities, encourage youth to develop skills necessary for independent living and leadership development, assist in the planning of the annual teen conferences and review State and Federal legislation that may affect them. In October, their Advisory Board was invited to the White House for dinner and a program. On December 8, they went to the White House and met Vice President Biden, Jaime Fox, and the little girl starring in the new Annie movie. Daniel and James expressed great excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to go to the White House. Daniel and James might not have had this opportunity if it hadn’t been for the encouragement and nurturing of their treatment parents and the dedication of their treatment team. What a great experience for them as well as something to talk about for the rest of their lives!
By Dawn Simon, Family Treatment Manager