Entering foster care as a young teen can feel like being caught in a storm without a compass. But for one young woman, it became the beginning of a transformative journey—one that eventually led her to safety, stability, and a deep sense of belonging through the support of The Up Center.
Adopted at 16, Reunited Years Later
After two years in foster care, she was adopted at the age of 16. That milestone didn’t just represent a legal shift—it was the moment she found a home that finally felt like hers.
Years later, now in her late twenties, she returned to Virginia to visit her adoptive family. During that trip, she also met up with someone who had played an equally important role in her journey—her former case manager from The Up Center.
More Than a Caseworker
Reflecting on the reunion over a meal filled with laughter and memories, she shared how her time in foster care wasn’t something she often spoke about—but there was one presence in her life that stood out clearly.
That caseworker, she said, was much more than a social worker. She was someone who had stayed by her side for nearly 15 years, through difficult teenage years, school meetings, therapy sessions, administrative chaos, and quiet moments of reassurance.
A Legacy of Steady Support
She didn’t recount only the big events. What she remembered just as clearly were the everyday gestures—holiday gatherings, check-ins, laughter, and support in moments when she felt lost.
It was this continued belief in her that gave her strength. Today, she expresses love and deep gratitude for everything that led her to where she is—and pride in having become the person her caseworker always believed she could be.
This Is the Difference One Person Can Make
You don’t need to change the entire system to change a life. Sometimes, just showing up—and staying—can mean everything.
Ready to Learn More?
Whether you’re considering becoming a foster parent or simply want to understand how to support children in your community, The Up Center is a good place to begin.
Because every child deserves a place to belong—and someone who never stops believing in them.
