I Speak Change. Youth Speak Parenting.

Parenting is a new adventure every day. Along with my husband, we are proud parents to our two little boys and my younger brother who we adopted. Parenting is one of the most impactful jobs a person can have. You are a guide, advocate, protector, and provider.

Being a young woman who has experienced foster care, I did not have parental figures to show me how to be all of those things, and simply put, to be a mom. Fortunately, when we had our first child we were connected to Healthy Families who provided trained staff to visit our home and work with our family one-on-one to provide guidance and support as new parents. Since I did not have parental figures to ask for advice, Healthy Families provided answers to my questions such as the developmental stages and milestones of children. They also connected us to resources around the community that without their support we would have never known about.

Family is forever. My husband, children, and siblings have always been my top priority. When my siblings and I entered foster care, my four brothers and I were separated. While two of my youngest brothers were adopted by a family out of state, my 19 year old brother lives with us and we were able to adopt my other brother; a memorable moment as it meant we would be a family forever.

I have learned that parenting is a team effort. I am the mother I am today in large part because of my supportive husband, he is my number one fan! He helps get the kids ready in the morning, looks after the kids while I am at work and school, and is supportive of breastfeeding which is a big commitment. We were also fortunate to have great support from our case manager Kimberly Aguilera, from Casey Family Programs, as she was especially helpful in finding resources for my brothers and I.

As I said, being a parent is a new adventure every day, however it is the most rewarding adventure I have embarked on, and I am so fortunate for the support we have received along the way.