By Terry A.

Volunteers Kathy & Teri

A teen boy walked into the Martinez office to see a room full of toys, shoes, clothes, school supplies, and pillow pals. He was amazed that we had shoes size 16 for him. His foster parents had called in advance to see if that was a possibility. He stated a few times how happy he was and how he couldn’t wait to go to school the next day.  He was about to leave and a volunteer said did you pick out your games or pillows. He stated I already was given some shoes. The volunteer informed him that he can go to every station and take something he wanted. His smile spoke volumes to all the volunteers in the room. There was not a dry eye in the room.

 Loading the trucks and cars with toys, pllow pals, and coats we headed to Alameda to take a short bay cruise with 50 Foster children and their families. Santa was to be on board and the day was to filled with surprises and fun games. From the time the children arrived they was treated like the special children they are and their foster families were shown how much we are appreciative of the work they do. The group picture at the end of the day is a memory I will never forget –The community working together does change the lives of foster children. 

These experiences helped me grow as a person and I wanted to do more.   How can I make a difference? I am only one person. I soon found out that I could come to the office and make calls, work on a data base or become certified so I could then interact with the Foster Youth one on one. Sometimes I just talk with one individual and other times there are 100 youth to lead in a game or to prepare prize bags for them at an event. There are many jobs that I didn’t think I could do but the more I am around these amazing children the more I grow  and understand what this life is all about.

Words From Our Mentors

Hi , my name is Wendy . I decided to become a Mentor for Foster a Dream a couple years ago. I, along with my teen, have found this experience to be mutually rewarding.

 When we meet we often share and discuss many of life experiences and create memories together. We take walks and have long talks, go to music, movies, have picnics, and take day trips to San Francisco and Marin. We also sometimes share active afternoons, roller blading, biking or hiking, thus affording us additional time together to discuss many of the important life issues and challenges that often teens face.

Mentoring to me is about spending quality time with your teen, always having a listening ear, trying to inspire and encourage them to dream, create and facilitate plans for a successful life and a rewarding future.

Together my teen and I have built and shaped a caring relationship, with love and a special unique bond. This in turn has made my teen feel special and it has enriched her life as well as mine. 

 Foster a Dream inspired me and helped me to become a Mentor. They provided me the avenue to find the right teen for me.

 Take the time to reach out, and you too can help change a teens life!! It is so very rewarding!!

Adrian’s Story

The following is a letter we received from Adrian, a young girl whose Adopt A Dream wish was granted by you.

“Dear Foster A Dream,

I want to start off by saying there are not many ways I can show how thankful I am or that I can repay you. Thank you for all your help and support and for being there in my time of need. I am so glad that there is an organization out there that is willing to help people in need.

I will never forget the experience I received at Junior Statesmen of America (JSA) Summer School. I got to meet people from all over the globe from places such as The Dominican Republic, China, Fiji, American Samoa, and the US Virgin Islands among others. I got to meet people with different cultures, beliefs, personalities, and backgrounds. The people were amazing because they all had something meaningful and intelligent to say and they wanted to be heard.

The atmosphere was amazing as well because everyone had something in common. Whether it was their love of politics or the same debate topic, someone always had something in common.

No matter what I was learning I had to stretch my mind and come out of my comfort zone because I wasn’t used to such intense school work. Without the support of my family, you guys, and God, I would have never made it through. Actually, I never would have received the opportunity. Once again, thank you for all of your help and support throughout my journey. That experience is something I will cherish forever more.

Thank you so much,

Adrian”