Justice Resource Institute Foster Care and Adoption

07/25/2024

One of our youth was accepted to and is attending a prestigious summer art camp at a university! They had to complete an extensive application and submit a portfolio of their work. The school was thrilled to welcome them to the program. They are living dorm life for the summer, meeting other creative kids, and are enjoying honing their skills. We can't wait to see what they've created!

Let's cheer on this budding visionary! Go ahead, shake those pompoms (even though it is Thursday...Yep, live large, Foster Friends)💙

*Please remember, the photos we use are stock photos. This is not the youth described, because we are committed to protecting their privacy. Thank you for understanding!

07/24/2024

Happy Wonderful Wednesday💙💙💙

Congrats to the Talented Twins on starting their summer internship! The Talented Twins are learning life skills and job skills this summer. They are working with elderly adults to support their social engagement and improve mental health outcomes. This is important work with a vulnerable population and we are glad they have you.

To Mama C and Family who have nurtured this dynamic duo and encouraged their growth, thank you! Your work means more than you know.

Okay, Foster Friends, you know what to do- shake your pompoms and cheer on success!

07/23/2024

If you or someone you know are considering adopting a youth, this article posted by Time magazine is a great resource for parents interested in transracial adoption.

https://time.com/the-realities-of-raising-a-kid-of-a-different-race/

07/22/2024

Kudos to two of our youth who are working as assistants at daycare centers. These young women are exploring the workforce while also going to school. Both are proving to be caring, reliable early childhood professionals!

It is important for teens (or "youth" as they are called) to gain work experience and to try different paths as they take steps toward independence. Summer jobs aren't just pocket money- they are stepping stones to adulthood!

Well done, girls💙

07/19/2024

Thank you to the Book Buddies who sent some titles our way.

Books in our program serve as enjoyment, literacy building, and also opening the door for kids to process difficult circumstances in their lives. Kids and foster care are dealing with issues like separation from their families, anxiety, abuse and neglect, racial disparities, and family addiction. While the topics are heavy, it is vital to give our kiddos the tools to understand what is happening, know they are not alone, and to have permission to talk about things that are hard.

We appreciate all of you who help our children and youth down the path of hope and healing.

07/11/2024

Hot off the presses- our newest foster care newsletter!
If you are looking to dive deeper into foster care, look no further💙

Summer Fun for Kids in Care Happy July, Foster Friends! Summer is really here. Kiddos are out of school, vacations are planned, and memories are being made. Scroll down to 1) read our newest blog by H

07/07/2024

Foster Friends, Charismatic C is beating the odds and flipping the script on foster youth statistics. She wore her cap and gown with pride as she crossed the stage and accepted her diploma with honors and as a multi-sport athlete for her school. She has a driver's license. She is working a full time job. She is one of the less than 10% who will be attending a four year college in August. Accolades aside, she is an awesome human being!

In August, Charismatic C will leave her foster home and move into her dorm. She needs everything kids need for a dorm and more! "More" because kids in care who go to college no longer have a foster home to call their own. They can't pick and choose what they take, They can't call home and ask for extra supplies or for belongings to be shipped to them. They have to make their dorm their home. The average American family spends $1200 on dorm supplies for their college freshman. Imagine a teen trying to do that without the help of a family.

Help Charismatic C start her college career on the right foot. If you are able, please contribute to some of the necessities and some creature-comforts as she enters this exciting new chapter of life. If you can't contribute, please consider sharing her wish list.

The JRI Foster Care office address should prepopulate, but if it doesn't, you can manually enter it to send Charismatic C some goodies:

JRI Foster Care- Attn Charismatic C
99 South Main St. Suite 301
Fall River, MA 02721

Wish List Link: https://a.co/7TdYzLG

07/06/2024

Happy Weekend! Let's help our children and youth build positive coping skills, emotional regulation, and end self-blame with what Dr. Becky Kennedy calls the "Repair".

To watch the full Ted Talk clink the link below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHpPtdk9rco&t=637s

07/04/2024

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

May we continue the journey toward fully realized equal rights for all❤️🤍💙

July 4th is Independence Day, the day in which we celebrate America's independence from the British! How do you celebrate America's birthday?Watch and play m...

06/28/2024

New Blog: Your Crown by Angela Navarro-Santiago

As you walk into my home for the first time, I watch as you tentatively inspect your room deciding where to put your shoes and which one of your beloved stuffed animals you would like to sleep with. I help you put your clothes in the dresser and pick out some comfortable pajamas. As you lay your hea...

06/26/2024

Any future moms out there with a dog and a Tesla? You might be her forever person!

Share to help this child find her future💙

We would like to introduce you to Kayla, today's WBZ / CBS News Boston Wednesday's Child.

"Hi! My name is Kayla and I like learning about Tesla technology!"

Kayla is a friendly and fun girl. She loves dancing, going for walks in the park, and being outside. When Kayla was younger, she enjoyed gymnastics and would like to start doing it again. She enjoys learning new things, going out in the community, and staying active. Kayla is independent and mature, follows directions well, and is great at communicating her wants and needs.

Want to know more about Kayla, visit her child profile at https://buff.ly/3VAu6gG

06/16/2024

To the fathers of all descriptions who show up, step in, and nurture the people who call them Dad, thank you for you! We hope you feel loved and celebrated today💙

06/14/2024

Who is involved in foster care? Check out our latest edition of "Faces of Foster Care" and learn more💙

06/13/2024

Four decades of fostering...Wow💙

Fun Fact: We have several foster parents who have been fostering for a similar length of time. The impact they've had is wide-reaching!

Emma Patterson is what could be called a “super” foster mom. She started taking in children in the early 1980s. Over the past four decades, she raised more than 40 foster children.

06/13/2024

Join a member of our Homefinding Team as we provide practical information about foster care and answer your questions in real time. If you've been considering becoming a licensed foster parent, this is the session for you!

06/12/2024

Are you Fabian's forever family?

Hi everyone! We'd like to introduce to you to today's WBZ / CBS News Boston Wednesday's Child, Fabian!

"Hi! My name is Fabian and I love to go to the gym!"

Efrain, who prefers to go by his middle name "Fabian", is charming, energetic, and polite. He takes great pride in his appearance and never turns down the opportunity to wear a tie. Fabian can be slow to warm up, and once he does, he is quite talkative. He loves to crack jokes and seeks out physical affection from the adults in his life. He likes to go to the gym every morning before school and is very disciplined in maintaining a healthy and balanced diet. He is particularly interested in martial arts, boxing, and weightlifting. While exercising, he enjoys listening to rap, hip hop, and heavy metal. Fabian hopes to one day pursue a career in information technology or become an electrician.

Want to know more about Fabian, here is a link to his child profile https://buff.ly/3XdUf69

06/08/2024

Who is involved in foster care? Check out the latest in our series "Faces of Foster Care" and learn more💙

It was his “Second Act.” Ray’s son was an adult and had moved out. His business was steady and thriving and when he came home, the house was quiet. He remembered the joy of taking his son camping, going to family picnics, and attending sporting events. Every day he passed by the empty bedroom ...

06/07/2024

Second Update: We are in awe of your generosity and kindness. We get to see the best of humanity sometimes. EVERY SINGLE ITEM was purchased for Shining Spirit. Her foster mama is overwhelmed at the outpouring of love you demonstrated. Thank you so much. We ask you to keep Shining Spirit in your thoughts and to send healing energy her way as she moves forward. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Update: You all are AMAZING!!! All of the sensory items have been purchased, as well as a lot of clothing items. There are only a few items left that we need. Thank you so much for being such kind, caring people. This is one of the fastest responses we've had.

Original post: Folks, we have a tough one.

Shining Spirit arrived late last night to a foster home who has parented her previously. Things didn't go the way everyone hoped. She arrived with just the clothes she was wearing. She is very overwhelmed and disregulated. Our gal has some significant sensory processing needs, which this unexpected upheaval from life is not helping. However, we know she is resilient and we are going to rally around her to support her healing.

We've created a list to help assemble her summer wardrobe and to provide her with sensory supportive items so that she can start to feel safe and grounded.

She loves all things girly, sparkly, pink and purple, mermaids, unicorns, hearts, ballerinas, kittens, and fairies. She's in between sizes, so 7/8 for clothing (but an 8 is fine, as we are pretty sure she will grown) and is 2.5 for shoes.

As always, any assistance you can provide is greatly appreciated. Our foster family is working hard to help her start to make sense of her world and to know she will be safe in your home. Your assistance providing material goods means they can continue to focus on that, instead of running to stores.

The agency address should prepopulate, but in case it doesn't please send items to:
JRI Foster Care
Attn: Shining Spirit
99 South Main St. Suite 301
Fall River, MA 0721

Thank you for your kindness and generosity. Please share!

Shining Spirit Wish List: https://a.co/a6Xvs07

06/06/2024

Foster Friends, we will be launching a new short series of videos to answer questions people have about foster care. What questions would you like us to answer? Please ask in the comments, then stay tuned for our videos (or reach out in advance- we won't leave you wondering!)💙

06/06/2024

Let's share this, Foster Friends, and help these siblings find their home💙

Introducing this week's WBZ / CBS News Boston Wednesday's Children!

Aneyshaliz, Sabdriel, and Adriana are a sibling group of three with a close bond! Aneyshaliz can present as a shy and reserved, although she is very observant of her surroundings and is an active listener. Aneyshaliz loves to spend time in the kitchen cooking or baking. She can almost always be found watching tutorials for recipes and learning about new cuisines. She wants to be a chef when she grows up and own a restaurant.

Sabdriel can also present as reserved and quiet, however, once he gets to know someone, his silly and witty personality shines through! He is described as an "old soul" due to his go-with-the-flow and gentle nature. Sabdriel loves trying new sports and being active. He's very athletic, so everyone wants him on their team

Adriana is full of energy, charisma and has a bubbly personality. She is talkative, engaging, and the life of the party! Adriana has great manners and is very friendly. Her smile and silly humor are infectious. Adriana also loves all colorful and sparkly things. Her favorite activities are to be outside playing with friends, drawing, crafting, and playing with her dolls.

Leave a comment and show your support for these three! If you would like to know more about Aneyshaliz, Sabriel and Adriana please visit their child profile at https://buff.ly/3Rgz8fD

06/05/2024

Happy Wonderful Wednesday!

Get ready to celebrate successes in foster care! This week:

💙 One of our youth got their state ID! This can be an uphill battle for kids in care due to difficulties accessing documents, but they battled through it and achieved this goal! Well done!
💙 Happy H is singing in her school concert tonight! She is nervous but we listened to her practice and know she will be wonderful. Great job, little songbird!
💙 A gentleman worked really hard this year and is going on an international school trip! This is such a wonderful opportunity to experience different cultures, see the world, and try something new. We're so proud of your work, self-advocacy, and willingness to step out of your comfort zone!
💙 Cool C is dancing in his recital! He has four different dance disciplines that he will showcase. His whole household will be there to cheer him on. Great job with all of your dedication, C!

Okay Foster Friends, you know what to do- break out those pompoms and celebrate success!

05/31/2024

Who is involved in foster care? Follow our "Faces of Foster Care" series and find out!

Stacy and James Lopes were empty nesters when they decided to foster again. They had previously fostered and took guardianship of their son’s teenage friend years prior. As a stay at home mother, Stacy enjoyed being present for her biological children as they were growing up and felt she and James...

05/30/2024

Happy Wonderful Wednesday (on Thursday, but don't tell anyone...)💙

Yesterday got a bit busy, but let's get back to the business of celebration today! Check out the awesome happenings in foster care this week and help us celebrate success.

💙 It is Prom Season! Three of our kiddos put on beautiful dresses and got glammed up to look amazing for the big event! The pictures were lovely and it looks like everyone had a great time. What a milestone!

💙 A little fellow now says "I love you, bye!" when our staff leave his home. This little buddy has made such incredible strides and is just such a delight to know. We love you, too!

💙 A budding artist was awarded the "Rising Star in Photography" award at their school! This kiddo has such a gift of creativity. Well done!

Okay, you know what to do- shake those pompoms and cheer on success🏆🎉💙🥳👏

05/24/2024

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05/21/2024

Their stories show the range of experiences and emotions of foster care, but every single one is a story that deserves to be heard💙

Thank you to these brave individuals for being so honest and vulnerable. We will use your stories to strive to do better for every child and youth in care.

https://www.fosternation.org/speakup-series

05/21/2024

Looking for more? I offer 1:1 DM support (plus checklists and templates) on Patreon for as little as $1. ht...

05/20/2024

Nervous about fostering? Read this article and let chat💙💙

“In our journey to open our home and our hearts, I failed to find true, honest, and comforting resources to show me what I could expect. So here I am, closing the gap.”

05/17/2024

For everyone who carries another, you matter. Thank you💙

Stream Onward only on Disney+Disney+ is the ultimate streaming destination for entertainment from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic. ...

05/16/2024

Words from Bob, our Program Director:

It’s National Foster Care Month!

During National Foster Care Month, The Children’s Bureau’s campaign highlights the need to create a child welfare system that authentically engages and supports young people who are preparing to leave foster care.

On a local level, I would like to recognize and acknowledge the work our incredible JRI Foster Care Staff and Foster Parents do on a daily basis, to care and support our state’s most vulnerable.

Whether it be transporting a child to a Dr.’s visit, soothing a crying substance exposed newborn, providing comfort to a school age child or helping a teen fill out a job application, our staff and parents continually provide superior care and compassion throughout the year. In addition, our community of “Foster Friends” continue to answer the call to help support our youth by providing clothes or items of need when our program requests help.

If you know someone who provides or works in the foster care system, please acknowledge their contributions and sacrifices to help positively impact a child or young person’s life.

As author Steve Pemberton noted in his recent book, “The Lighthouse Effect”, it’s “how ordinary people can have an extraordinary impact in the world.”

05/15/2024

Happy Wonderful Wednesday!

There are so many things to celebrate. Staff meeting took extra long this morning because there were so many positives shared! So, read on and get ready to cheer on success!

💙 Charismatic C attended her senior prom! Next up- graduation!
💙 Happy H received an award in school!
💙 Radiant R is doing so well in college. Their first semester is done and they are ready for summer!
💙 The Amazing A Family said goodbye to us today as fosters, because they adopted their dynamic duo! We are so sad to see them go, but know that their next chapter will be glorious.
💙 Strong S received her adoption date! This is something she has been advocating for and waiting to happen. Again, we will miss visiting with this lovely family each week, but love that their outcome is forever.
💙 The Littles went home to their mama! We love reunification!!!
💙 Calm C had a great interview as a CIT for a local camp! Papa D helped him choose a professional outfit and they practiced interview skills. We don't know the final decision yet, but we love the bravery C had to try something new and put himself out there. Let's throw some hope into the stratosphere and manifest a great result!
💙 Intern Jeremy graduated and is now a Case Manager!!!
💙 Adorable A is now eating real food and is sleeping in a crib! Her foster brother Affectionate A is now in a big boy bed!
💙 Zen Z is receiving a school award!

Okay, that's a pretty great list. You know what to do- take out your pompoms and shake them up to celebrate success!