Andrew's Story

What a difference a "Mom" makes!

I met "Andrew" during my first week working on the Administrative Team at Kinship House. I've never related well with adolescents, but particularly not with those who are guarded and angry. This was Andrew.

Even an untrained outsider like myself could tell that his life had been pretty rough. He dressed like a "gangster"; he barely responded when spoken to; his eyes focused on the floor; and his defenses were always high. He was clearly searching for an identity and a family, regardless of its negative or positive outcomes.

About six months later, Andrew got a new foster mom. She engaged in his therapy and infused healing lessons and discussions from Kinship into their daily lives. She was proactive, thoughtful, loving, and attentive to his individual needs. She was a mom.

Over the next several months there was a change in Andrew. His eyes seemed brighter when he started to look at you; his clothes were neater; his hair was trimmed; his step was lighter. And then one day, Andrew walked in, and actually said "hi" to me!

Although Andrew still awaits a permanent family, it's heartwarming to now see him burst through the Kinship door, smiling, joking, and laughing. With a little love and protection, Andrew is silly, open, and warm, and it's a pleasure to see him each week. What a difference a mom can make!