1st Prize $150 winner

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Sharing Herself

In 2009, I told a school counselor that I was being sexually abused by my father, and I went into care. I quickly went through four social workers, but my last one was amazing.

She made sure that all my needs were met. She went above and beyond by giving me her old prom dress and homecoming dress so I could go to the dances. She also went out of her way to put me in a great program called Project Return Home.

My worker helped me understand that program and also helped me in my counseling to the point that I was finally able to open up about my hurt and anxiety. That helped me deal with the past and move forward. I made it through the program in record time and was reunited with my mom and brothers.

Even though I am no longer in the foster care system, I still stay in close contact with my social worker. She has become a close and dear friend. Because of her, one of my passions in life is to help other teens and speak out against abuse.

Amy McIntyre Diaz, 18
Grand Rapids, MI

Thanks, Lisa

I entered foster care at a young age and felt as if I were tossed around from house to house to group home. For about a year I thought I would never find a home where I belonged. Then Lisa came along.

Lisa was a former foster care agency worker and she became my foster mother. It took a few months for me to warm up to her, but as soon as I did she took me into her arms and her heart. One experience in particular will always stand out.

I came home one day very upset because I had visited my biological mother and she said some hurtful things to me. I was in a really bad mood and took it out on Lisa. I felt bad and expected Lisa to be really mad.

But instead, she said she understood why I was upset. She said she was there for me and that it was going to be better. Of course at that moment I didn’t believe her. But almost three years later, things are better. I look back now whenever I feel down, and remember her saying “Things will be better,” and I smile. I have Lisa to thank for giving me the positive outlook I have on life today.

Katia Aguirre, 20
Burke, VA

3rd Prize $50 winner

Powerful Words

About a month and a half ago I went to a matching event and met a family that seemed close to perfect. They were funny, pleasant, and basically amazing! They shared stories, and information about their jobs and home, and pictures of their dog. When we all had to leave they hugged me and said, “We really want to see you again.” To me, that meant “We really want to take you home.”

But after three weeks, my DYFS worker told me that they realized they wanted a younger child. This was a blow to my self-esteem and sanity alike. I racked my head trying to figure out what was so wrong with me! Was it my personality, my looks? Should I have acted more immature? More mature? I lay in my bed sobbing, wondering if anyone would ever want me.

Then I remembered a voice saying, “You’re enough for me.” My social worker, Christina, had said this to me an earlier time when I had cried, “Why am I not enough for anyone? What’s wrong with me?” Without a second thought, she focused on me and said “Zhaniah, you’re enough for me.” When those words came back to me, I felt lovable and more than enough.

I don’t know if Christina is aware of just how much she has affected my life. Every time I fall apart because a placement doesn’t work out or someone fails me, her words remind me of my worth and give me hope. I should probably thank her.

Zhaniah Lane, 17
Ewing, NJ