DEFENDER
Issue 47 | November 2025
A baby girl placed with a 4KIDS Foster Family is given a new chance at life.
Read how EPIC Therapy is helping a family reach new milestones together.
Our Back to School Bashes brought lots of fun and fellowship as our kids and families approached a new school year.
The Botero Family says ‘yes’ to forever with their sweet son, after fostering him for 3 years.
Take your next step with 4KIDS by participating in Gift Planning, Champions 4KIDS, EPIC Training, and
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New Name and A New Beginning
A newborn baby girl was recently placed in one of our newly licensed 4KIDS Foster Homes. This precious child came into foster care under heartbreaking circumstances. She was abandoned at the hospital shortly after birth and, at the time of placement, had not been given a legal name. Medical evaluations revealed that she was born with drugs in her system, a difficult start to life for such a tiny and vulnerable soul.
Despite these challenges, her foster family welcomed her with open arms and hearts full of love. Wanting to give her a name, even if only temporarily, they chose to call her “Lia.” The name was inspired by the biblical figure Leah, who, though unloved by her husband, was deeply cherished by God. In the same spirit, Lia’s foster parents wanted to affirm that while this little girl may have been forsaken at birth, she is not forgotten—she is seen, valued, and deeply wanted. Though her journey is just beginning, Lia is already surrounded by care, compassion, and hope for a brighter future. Her story is a reminder of the incredible resilience of children and the transformative power of love and belonging.
Small Shifts, Big Impact
Day in and day out, 4KIDS EPIC Clinicians are helping parents see that if they want to experience a change in their household dynamics, they need to be willing to try a completely different approach to connect with one another as well as their children. One of our 4KIDS Clinicians recently shared that an adoptive family she was working with for many months had a breakthrough in this area.
The family shared with her that though the crises in their home have not lessened, they feel that they are communicating better, affirming one another more out loud, and using strategies like deep breathing to regulate their emotions. Though these changes seem minor, after every therapy session our clinician continues to affirm that this repetition of positive choices can lead to the 180-degree transformation they are looking to see in their family.
Ready For School, Surrounded By Support
As summer ended, our 4KIDS Foster and Adoptive Families gathered for several incredible Back-to-School Bashes—celebrations filled with connection, laughter, and encouragement for the year ahead.
From bowling alley fun to church-hosted events complete with food, games, and joyful community, these gatherings gave families a chance to relax and reconnect before the school year kicked off. Children left not only with big smiles, but also with backpacks full of school supplies or gift cards to help them start the year confident and prepared. In Broward and Palm Beach alone, over 500 kids were able to receive gift cards, giving them the unique opportunity to have a ‘shopping spree’ with their families and pick out supplies that best reflected their styles and personalities.
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters and volunteers, these events were more than just parties— they were a powerful reminder to our kids and caregivers that they are seen, supported, and never alone.
“Thank you 4KIDS for a wonderful event on Saturday morning. We are blessed.” - 4KIDS Adoptive Mom
“We had such a great time at Back to School, we love 4KIDS!” -4KIDS Adoptive Mom
celebrating adoption
In honor of National Adoption Month this November, we’re celebrating the incredible journey of the Botero Family — a story of faith, love, and God’s redemption.
Three years ago, David and Natalia reopened their home to foster again after a time of rest. Almost immediately, they received a call about a onemonth-old baby boy in need of a safe and loving home. They didn’t know much about his background — only that he needed someone to say ‘yes’ to him. Though they hadn’t planned to take in a newborn, they felt God’s gentle whisper urging them to open their hearts once more and trust Him with the unknown.
From the moment they held him, they loved him as their own. Through caring for him, their marriage grew stronger, their twin daughters learned deeper compassion, and their home became a living testimony of redemption — a reflection of how family is built not by blood, but by love and purpose.
Last month, after more than three years of fostering, the Boteros officially welcomed their son, Lucca, into their forever family. His name means “Bearer of Light, Heard by God, who serves new wine” — a symbol of the new life and hope that now flows through their family’s story.
David reflected on that moment, writing:
“After more than three years of being foster parents, loving, letting go, and opening hearts again, today we celebrate the miracle of our son’s adoption. Three years ago the Lord broke us to deliver a son. Today we are broken by adopting a son. We understand there is no better way to explain the Gospel of Jesus than through adoption. Just as a judge signed off the Final Adoption Court today, Jesus signed ours on the cross.”
The Boteros pray that Lucca grows up knowing how deeply loved and chosen he is — not just by them, but by God and his extended 4KIDS family as well.
A Joyful Step Of Faith
One young mom at 4KIDS His Caring Place (HCP) has been part of our home since last December. When she first came to us, she was pregnant—and today, we have the privilege of walking alongside her as she lovingly parents her baby girl.
Recently, her Resident Advisor invited her to a church event. At first, she was tired and hesitant to go, but at the last minute she decided to join—and that decision changed everything. During the event, the speaker offered an opportunity for baptism, and she chose to take that bold step of faith.
When our HCP team saw her the next day, there was something different about her—her words, her attitude, even her presence felt lighter. She’s since shared her testimony with the other moms in the home, inspiring them with her story of transformation.
This was a powerful breakthrough for a young woman who has overcome so much—growing up in and out of foster care, enduring the breakdown of her adoptive home, and still choosing hope. Today, we celebrate the new life and joy she’s found as God continues to write her story.
More Ways to Get Involved
Champions 4KIDS
Champions4KIDS is a passionate committee of advocates who help bring Hope to kids in crisis. This group supports 4KIDS by promoting fundraising events and engaging the community. Join a network of leaders committed to creating lasting change for vulnerable children—your voice and influence can open doors to real impact in your local area.
4KIDS.us/Champions4KIDS
Estate & Legacy Planning
You can leave a lasting legacy through transformational giving. 4KIDS will help you design or update your estate plan—at no cost to you when including a gift to 4KIDS. Protect your loved ones and create a legacy of Hope, Homes, and Healing. Learn more at: 4KIDS.us/WillsandTrusts
HopeConnect ™
HopeConnect™ is a digital platform filled with fun, everyday activities that help children experience healing and Biblical hope. Created by experts, this resource includes printables, interactive tools, and the new Thrive Blog for weekly parenting tips. Explore the full library of content at: HopeConnect.org
Prayer Request
We’d love to add you to our prayer list! If you have a prayer request or praise you’d like to share, please email Sharon at: SharonF@4KIDS.us
Training & Resources
Learn trauma-informed tools to support children with hard histories. EPIC Training equips parents, caregivers, and community members with strategies rooted in TBRI® and best practices in healing care. This free online training takes place over two sessions and empowers you to respond to kids with both compassion and confidence in real-life situations.
4KIDS.us/EPIC
EPIC Digital Resources
Access practical, on-demand support for parenting and caregiving. EPIC Digital Resources include short videos and tools created by the 4KIDS Clinical Team to help you navigate traumainformed care at home. Whether you’re a foster parent, mentor, or church leader, you’ll find helpful content to equip you in everyday relationships with kids.
4KIDS.us/EPIC/DigitalResources
Create Account / Member Login
Create your own account to view your donation history, update payment methods, or adjust your recurring gift at: 4KIDS.us/Login
Thank You 4KIDS DEFENDERS!
Because of your recurring gift, between July and September across all the regions we serve:
908 children found hope through CarePortal 184 children were served in loving foster homes
2,350 hours of therapy helped kids and families discover healing
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Lauderdale, FL 33309