A Treasured Gift
The sound of ripping through wrapping paper, excited screams, and joyful laughter filled the halls at our Connected Foster Care and Adoptions Resource Center this holiday season. A mom working towards reunification with her children through Connected was able to look through the Toy Store and pick out gifts for her children. Although the siblings live in different foster homes, they were able to open their gifts as a family and celebrate Christmas together. More than that, they were able to have moments of connection, of laughter, and growing as a family.
“I learn more about them every visit,” said mom, “I really appreciate you doing this.”
She was excited to pick out gifts that she knew they would like.
“It takes the pressure away from having to worry about how to make sure their children have something from them,” shared Ellen Sullivan, our Family Engagement Strategist, “They receive a lot from churches, or DHS, or other people. This is a way for moms to pick out something for their kiddos they know they would want, wrap it, and watch them open it.”
In other words, this is a way for families to share memories together, and tie those family relationships closer.
All three kids were so excited to open presents with mom and were so thankful for their gifts.
Our Connected Resource Center also hosts a birthday party room, family visit rooms, and a sensory therapy room. It is so important, especially close to the Christmas season, for these families to be together and have more visits. We are able to provide these resources because our desire is to build, strengthen, and restore families across Arkansas.
If you would like to give to our Resource Center this Christmas, click on the link below to see our Amazon wishlist. Thank you for your generosity, and Merry Christmas!