Honestly, I can't even begin to explain how grateful I am for Foster Kinship, especially Maria and…read moreMarkus. They have both been such a big help to me throughout my journey, and I truly appreciate everything they have done for me and my family. They are very knowledgeable, understanding, considerate, and always willing to help. They don't just give you information and send you on your way. They actually take the time to listen to you, help you understand things, and make sure you have the support and resources you need.
Maria has honestly been such a blessing to me. She has helped me in so many ways, from giving me advice and guidance to helping me find resources and understand more about parenting, myself, my children, and everything I've been going through. She has also kept up with my court dates and my CPS case and has been willing to communicate with my worker when needed. That means a lot because when you're going through so much at once, having somebody who genuinely cares enough to check on you and help you figure things out makes a huge difference.
I've honestly had moments where I cried because I was just so appreciative of her and everything she has done for me. And Maria has a smile that is seriously contagious! She has such a warm personality, and she makes you feel comfortable enough to open up without feeling like somebody is judging you. That's important because sometimes people look at your circumstances and make assumptions about you without knowing your story or everything you've had to overcome. Maria makes you feel like you're still a person who deserves support, understanding, and the opportunity to grow. She genuinely wants to see parents do better, learn from their experiences, and become the best versions of themselves. You can tell she really cares about the families she works with, and I appreciate that more than she probably knows.
I also want to give Markus his flowers because I truly appreciate him and the support he has provided throughout my journey as well. I'm thankful for the people at Foster Kinship who take the time to help families and make sure parents have access to information, resources, and guidance that can actually make a difference in their lives. Sometimes you need somebody to help you see things from a different perspective, and having people who are willing to do that without making you feel bad about yourself is something I don't take for granted.
The parent support group has also been such a great experience for me. The classes are actually helpful, informative, and give you things you can apply to your everyday life. We talk about healthy choices, mental health, parenting, accountability, personal growth, and so much more. I've learned a lot from these classes, and I can honestly say that some of the things I've learned have helped me look at situations differently and think more about the choices I make. It's not just about learning how to be a better parent. It's also about learning how to be a better person, understanding yourself, recognizing areas where you can improve, and being willing to do the work to get there.
One thing I really love about the group is the other parents, too. Everybody is supportive, and it feels good to be around people who can relate to certain things you're going through. We can talk, laugh, cry, share our experiences, and learn from each other without feeling like we have to pretend everything is perfect. Sometimes we're laughing, sometimes we're getting emotional, and sometimes somebody says something that really makes you stop and think. LOL. But that's what makes the group so special to me. You realize you're not the only person trying to figure things out, and you can learn from other people's experiences while also sharing your own. It's a safe space where you can be yourself, be honest, and know that you're surrounded by people who are also trying to grow.
I actually look forward to continuing the classes because there is always something new to learn. Even though I've already learned so much, I know there is always room for improvement. I want to keep growing as a mother, as a person, and in the way I handle different situations in life. I want to continue making healthier choices, strengthening my parenting, and becoming the woman I know I can be. These classes have helped me understand that growth doesn't stop just because you get through a difficult situation. You can always learn something new about yourself, your children, your relationships, and life in general.
Maria, I really hope you know how much you are appreciated. You put so much care and effort into helping parents and families, and I hope you know that the things you do don't go unnoticed. You have helped me through some difficult moments, given me guidance when I needed it, and helped me feel supported during a time when I was trying to get so many things together. I appreciate the way you show up for people, the way you encourage