Sunrise.org Children Services

Clients graduate into college and jobs
 
South Central Foster Care has had several success stories recently.  In June, the program had five clients who graduated from high school.  Three of those five graduated with honors from their respective high schools.  All five of those clients have maintained an extended commitment.  Four of the five are now in college at Elizabethtown Community College, Northern Kentucky University, University of Louisville, and Western Kentucky University.  The fifth client, who is still in foster care with our program, has been able to secure a full time job.  All of the clients have been with our program for at least a year, and some have been with us for nearly five years.  So far, all of the clients have reported back that they are enjoying their new experiences.  Each one of these young adults holds a very special place in the hearts of their foster parents and with staff because of all of their accomplishments.  As a program, we are elated to be able to report such a high level of success!

Here's the story of one of those children, "Amy:"

Amy originally came to this program along with her siblings when she was about nine years old.  They eventually were moved to different homes within different agencies.  When Amy was re-referred independently in the early summer of 2007, Program Director Charlene Scites-Thompson fondly remembered her and was willing to take her on again despite the fact that on paper, she looked pretty rough.  She was the second placement for a new foster mother who was willing to take on the challenge. 

Over the past four years, Amy has had to overcome a significant amount of attachment difficulties, including processing the adoption of her younger siblings by a family who is not always so supportive of the contact between the siblings.  She also faced a great deal of difficulty in raising her self-esteem.  She was able to establish a very close relationship with the foster mother, Elizabeth Johnson.  Elizabeth and Amy see each other as family now.  Elizabeth stuck by her even when it was not easy to do so.  Her ongoing support and at times tough love have helped Amy to be able to have better relationships. 

Amy graduated from Barren County High School in June of this year with honors.  She has already earned several college credits because she took dual credit courses to help better prepare her for college.  When it came time to look for a college, Amy instantly knew where she wanted to attend: the University of Louisville.  Though the team was a little leery of this decision because it would put her back in her old environment (as all of her biological family still lives there), Amy did not have a desire to attend anywhere else.  She went through the application process and was easily accepted.  With mixed emotions, she moved in to the dorm on August 17, sad to leave the home that she has grown to love and appreciate over the past four years, yet excited for the future and the opportunities that will be there to meet her once she starts life on campus.

Her treatment team (Elizabeth; Charlene; Christie Helm, her therapist; Fallon Burch, former foster care specialist; Dr. Scott Littleton, psychiatrist; Lauren Muir, DCBS worker; and Chance Groves, the current foster care specialist) all have the same mixed emotions about her departure from this program.  Her story is a great one that does not happen often.  It is amazing to watch a child, so full of fear and anxiety, transform into a well-spoken and self-assured young lady.  The team rejoices in the opportunity to see this happen over the past several years.  Hopefully, four years from now, we will be able to provide a college graduation update on this fabulous young lady!