Because of our time in foster care, most of us have spent a portion of our lives feeling like an outsider or like we don’t quite belong anywhere. I was pretty happy to learn about FCAA. I was relieved to have a place where I fit in and could actually use my unique experiences to improve the lives of others. It was great to experience that elusive feeling of truly belonging.

The motivation for most people to give are the causes that are closest to our hearts and personally relevant to us. I think we donate because we want to transform the world to the way we want it to be. I want to transform the world to be a better place for foster children. I know first hand that the foster care system is in need of reform and that there is a lack of awareness in our society about the plight of foster children. Working together through FCAA gives us a strong collective voice in our society and the ability to initiate change. I feel a responsibility to do my best everyday to make a difference given the resources and means that I have. If I’m not willing to support this cause, how can I expect others with a lesser understanding to contribute?

I wish that FCAA had been there when I was a young alumnus. I would have felt less alone in the world. I want to do everything I can to make sure that FCAA stays strong and thriving. I think it’s important that we continue to grow our cause and strengthen our voice. FCAA gives us a place where we can be proud of our accomplishments and contributions.

Miriam (Murry) Aliberti, CA, alumni member 

 Just this month I sent a small donation to Foster Care Alumni of America. It's been far too long since last making a contribution but I'm glad I got a reminder. I'm grateful that I am able, financially, and it makes me feel good to do so. It's the ‘pick-me-up’ that I need right now.

My husband and I are about to complete a long and arduous course of parenting classes, required by our state to become foster and/or adoptive parents ourselves. Friends and acquaintances are questioning our sanity, reminding us (oh, so helpfully) that the older youth we are seeking to adopt are ‘damaged goods’ and ‘certainly not trustworthy.’ Every step of this process has presented reasons why even I question why I'm doing this.

Yet in seeking the quiet within my soul, I realize the true reason why we want to foster children is simple. We are hoping to receive children into our home because we can, because we've been blessed in our life's history. We have had a life filled with happiness and joy, and successful in every way that matters.

This is my inspiration for supporting FCAA. I give to honor those foster parents who raised me, mistakes and all, to be an intelligent, kind, and lovable person. I give in honor of the brother I had who was not so lucky and ended his own life far too young, without the foundation that love provides, lost and adrift in a world who could not appreciate his sweet humanity. I give in honor of our bright, new grand daughter who delights us all and is without need of foster care because her mother, our daughter, was raised by parents who knew how to love. I give because Foster Care Alumni of America can and does affect the changes that are so necessary to the throngs of children and young people who also need a hand of support, an offering of love and permanency. I give to honor all of those foster caregivers of my past, and to honor those foster children of my future. May they be blessed as much as I recognize I was blessed.

Fran Young, MO, alumni member

Why do YOU give?