A neighbor saw him sleeping on the street and called the police. He was taken into foster care, but struggled with behavioral issues at home and at school. By the time Annie and John entered the foster care system at ages 6 and 7, they’d never gone to school or seen a doctor. Abandoned by their birth mother, all they had was each other—but their foster family couldn’t care for both of them. Separated for the first time in their lives, both experienced behavioral problems in school, Annie’s so extreme that her teacher tried to have her expelled. Nate and his four siblings were severely abused by their mother’s boyfriend. When their foster parent couldn’t adopt them, Nate was devastated. Over a five-year period, he was moved nine times, attended eight different schools, was shunted to six different case managers and saw six different therapists.
Today, Gregory is thriving in school and living with a caring great-aunt. Many of Annie and John’s behavioral problems were traced to a hard-to-detect form of diabetes, and they’ve been adopted—together—into a loving family. Nate, now 17, also has been adopted. He’s excelling at auto mechanics in a high school vocational training program, and wants to own a chain of auto-repair shops after he graduates from college.
Nobody wanted these kids … until Voices for Children stood up for them. “We go to bat for abused and neglected children and youth by representing their best interests in court and in the community,” says CEO Jan Huneke. The organization’s team of CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocates) volunteers, social workers and child advocacy attorneys serves more than 800 foster care kids a year, making sure they get a secure home, vital health and education services, and a voice in every decision that affects them. “Our sole focus is their well-being,” Huneke says. “We’re here for them 24/7, interceding on their behalf with teachers, doctors, case managers, and anyone else who might influence their lives.” For example, when Annie and John’s advocate suspected a health issue was causing their disruptive behavior, she sought out a specialist. Told there was a six-month wait for an appointment, she called the doctor at home. He saw
both kids right away.
Be the Difference: A Benefit for Voices for Children takes place April 10 at Windows on Washington. The event, co-chaired by Kerrin Kowach and Brian Ungles, is sponsored by Centene Charitable Foundation. Donald Danforth III will receive the Community Superhero Award. “It’s our major fundraiser, and also raises awareness about the urgent need for CASA volunteers,” Huneke says. “Every child in foster care deserves an advocate to speak up for their needs, but only 30 percent get one.”
Without their Voices for Children advocates, Gregory, Nate, Annie and John might be on the streets—or dead, she notes. “We don’t always win, but if you don’t give up, you can save these kids.”
By Tony DiMartino