DEFENDER
Issue 43 | August 2024
In This Issue:
A Letter From Tom
Dear 4KIDS Defender,
When my wife Linda and I were foster parents, we learned how the seemingly “little things” we did for our kids were what made them feel the most special. Over the years, I’ve reconnected with many of the kids who we cared for and they often remember a birthday tradition Linda started doing with the kids, especially Amber*. It was the 1990’s and we had one of those dot matrix printers and with it she would print, “Happy Amber Day!” Using each child’s name instead of just a generic “Happy Birthday” sign–it felt like such a small thing, but it meant so much. Amber later told me how she remembered it wasn’t just a regular day, it was “Amber Day,” and it was a memory she carried with her even after she left our home.
It didn’t take a big, over-the-top party, or a pile of gifts to make them feel loved, it was feeling seen and celebrated that impacted their hearts–the same is true for our biological kids too. Our kids are longing just to be with us as parents, they aren’t longing for an expensive weeklong trip that might be out of your budget this year.
4KIDS Foster Families go the extra mile, not just during summer, but all year long to help our kids feel special. Your monthly, recurring gift ensures these families continue to give these kids a place to belong surrounded by people who love them.
It is my prayer for you that you discover a deeper connection with the kids in your lives this season–whether they be your children, nieces or nephews, or grandchildren. Thank you for supporting our Foster Families who bring love, connection, and family memories to kids in need every day!
Tom Lukasik, 4KIDS VP of Engagement
Meet The Family : The Escuderos
Did you know that so far this fiscal year, there have already been 43 newly licensed 4KIDS Foster Families in the 13 regions we serve? 43 families stepped up and said “yes” to rewrite the stories of kids in crisis. From the moment they filled out the interest form, to the day their license was approved, these families are dedicated and passionate about giving children endless warmth and compassion.
Read about the Escudero Family, one of our newest Miami Foster Families! With 3 adult biological kids, they are excited to extend their love to kids in need.
What led you to become foster parents?
I have always felt the calling on my heart to foster, even as a young child. I was very hands on with most of my siblings as life was pretty tough growing up. Siblings have lived with me on and off in different seasons. Then in 2016, a relative who struggled with addiction gave birth to a sweet baby boy and we were able to bring him into our home as nonrelative caregivers for a few months. Then he was moved and placed with his grandma. Fast forward a few years, in 2022 we were called about bringing in a new brother of the little that we had in 2016. We cared for him for 6 months until he was with grandma and other siblings. Then through much prayer we have seen God’s calling on us to step into officially fostering, so here we are!
What are you most excited about as you become foster parents?
We believe that we have such love to give these precious littles as they go through these hard times in their lives. We are excited to see how the Lord uses us to serve Him in this journey.
What is most important to you in regards to fostering?
Being a small part of the healing journey for these littles and their families as much as we can by loving on them, giving the stability they need and offering guidance and support to parents as possible.
Prom : Dressed
to the nines,
ready to shine!
Many boys and girls go throughout high school with excitement for Prom growing each year. It’s the one iconic evening that culminates the last 4 years of school. Everyone gets dressed up to the nines and anticipates an event that often becomes a core memory. For kids who spent time in foster care, however, prom does not always hold the same weight. Because many of their lives have been filled with constant moving, neglect, trauma, and financial hardship, it’s common for teens in foster care to have to skip out their prom.
While we can’t take away the difficult childhood memories our young adults often carry, we know that creating positive memories can bring healing in a whole new way! As a result, our team decided to give our young adults in Transitional Independent Living (TIL 2:25) and His Caring Place (HCP) an opportunity to ‘dance the night away’ at their very own Prom night! In June, over two dozen guys and girls arrived at the Pine Island Ridge Country Club in silky gowns and tuxedos, ready to show off their moves alongside 4KIDS Staff and Resident Advisors. They snapped photos in a 360-degree photobooth, sang along to their favorite songs, and enjoyed a delicious buffet meal together.
Leading up to the momentous occasion, one of our amazing 4KIDS Partners donated $100 for each of the young women attending to find their perfect dress. They got all dolled up, bonding for hours over styling their hair and putting on makeup. Their dresses sparkled almost as much as their smiles when they walked into the venue. Throughout the festivities, our staff got to see the power of community at work. Seeing these young men and women who have experienced hardship at such a young age let their guard down and just enjoy each other’s company – dancing, laughing, and creating lifelong memories together was incredibly special and not a memory to be soon forgotten.
When a teen ages out of foster care, their future is often unknown. They are left to figure out the hard lessons life will throw at them, from choosing the right career path to finding a place to live or the right people to befriend. We are so encouraged by the milestones our residents hit, no matter how big or small. When these young men and women entered our 4KIDS programs, they made a conscious decision to work towards a flourishing and bright future, and it’s our joy to create moments like the Prom they can look back on with nostalgia and joy.
REcent Stories
Last July, the Chirinos Family became licensed foster parents with 4KIDS and took in a newborn baby girl. She is now 10 months old, and when the family was asked to take in an additional 5-year-old-boy, they said yes without hesitation, making more room in their hearts and home for him.
Since then, both kids have been thriving. The little boy, Samuel*, helps care for and play with the baby girl, and with the help of his foster parents, Samuel has learned to ride his bike without training wheels, a huge accomplishment! The Chirino’s have kept Samuel connected with his siblings, allowing him to visit them regularly while providing him with the love and care he needs to flourish emotionally, mentally, and physically while in foster care.
*Names have been changed to protect the identity of the children and families we serve.
In Foster Care
In May 2022, a 2-year-old little girl named Grace* was placed in foster care in the Treasure Coast after enduring abuse and neglect. She was welcomed with open arms by the Roth Family, and after several months of loving her and partnering with her biological family, Grace was reunited with her biological father. Even now that she’s no longer in their home, the Roths continue strengthening their relationship with *Grace and her father, recently hearing an update from her father that he has enrolled Grace in a magnet school, one of the best schools in the area. The school only had 75 spots available and about 400 people applied, yet Grace was selected! All parties are ecstatic she will be attending a good school giving her opportunities that heighten her chances of succeeding.
The foster mother said, “Grace is so sweet and smart! She took her first plane ride with me to California and did great on the plane. She is the bravest, kindest, most resilient child I have ever known. I love her so much. No matter what, I will always know that I am blessed by being a part of 4KIDS because I gained my amazing 2 sons and my beautiful ‘niece’ from this adventure. It isn’t always easy, but it’s all worth it.”
Though their fostering journeys are different, these two families have persevered through challenges yet experienced the reward of seeing precious, innocent children discover Hope, Homes, and Healing. Whether it’s adoption or reunification, temporary or long-term, our 4KIDS Families are making a lifelong impression on these children and their biological families by showing them unconditional love and support in a way perhaps that no one ever has.
More Ways to Get Involved
Vision Tours
Come and hear stories of transformed lives made possible by your generosity! During a 4KIDS Vision Tour, you’ll learn all about what makes 4KIDS unique and discover other ways that you can make a difference for kids and families in need. Vision Tours are offered quarterly in-person at 4KIDS Headquarters in Broward. To sign up for the next one, visit: 4KIDS.us/VisionTour
Champions 4KIDS
Champions4KIDS is a committee of advocates who bring hope to kids in crisis by garnering support for fundraising and community engagement initiatives. Join a community dedicated to advocating for vulnerable children in our communities. Visit 4KIDS.us/Champions to learn more.
Training & Resources
Gain fresh insight on how to work with kids who have experienced trauma, and how to be more effective as a parent or leader in any child’s life. EPIC training is free and occurs online over two days. To register for an upcoming training, visit: 4KIDS.us/EPICTraining
We also have various parenting videos and resources created by our 4KIDS Clinical Team available at: 4KIDS.us/EPIC/DigitalResources
Visit HopeConnect.org for dozens of fun, everyday activities to do with any child in your life to instill a Biblical sense of hope and healing. Plus, subscribe to the new Thrive Blog by visiting their home page and clicking the ‘Subscribe’ button in the upper right.
Estate & Legacy Planning
Make a transformational gift that protects your family and creates more Hope, Homes, and Healing through 4KIDS. Design your first estate plan or update an existing one with our trusted partner Financial Planning Ministry (FPM), a service available at no cost to you when you include a bequest to 4KIDS. Sign up for the next informational webinar at: 4KIDS.us/EstateandLegacyPlanning
Thank You 4KIDS DEFENDERS!
Because of your recurring gift, between April and July across all the regions we serve:
1,496 children found hope through CarePortal 322 children were served in loving foster homes
3,378 hours of therapy helped kids and families discover healing
2717 West Cypress Creek Road
Lauderdale, FL 33309