Rosa’s unconditional love for children and passion for helping them succeed, led her to become a foster parent. Fostering since 2004, Rosa’s dream of caring for children in crisis has not always been easy. She has helped raise several children for over a decade, but the rewards have far surpassed the challenges she has faced on her journey.
According to Rosa, “Seeing the change in the kids, teaching them respect, and seeing the difference it makes, makes us feel good. I currently have three girls and one boy, but I’ve had over 180 children. They come from broken homes, but we give them stability. Having a lot of love, understanding and patience is important. The kids change when they see you work with them.”
Raising abused, neglected and abandoned children and teaching them to become empowered, resilient and successful is Rosa’s mission. Juggling a busy schedule, Rosa takes time to not only provide children with love and support, but also helps them thrive scholastically. According to Rosa, “Most of my kids get recognized in school. One child, who we thought had a learning disability, didn’t know how to read. We helped him learn how to read and do math problems, and he received an award. When you want to [help], there is always a way.”
Since his retirement, Rosa’s husband has taken an active role in helping her care for the children. Happy to help make a difference in the lives of children and their families, Rosa plans to continue to open her home to children who need it most. She especially feels a sense of accomplishment when children go back with their families.
“It’s good to see parents do what they need to do so that the child goes back to them. It’s all about reunification. It’s all about loving the kids and wanting to help them,” Rosa says.
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Florence Edwards, Foster Care Marketing Specialist
Florence has a strong commitment to helping foster youth and their families thrive and live successful lives. A former foster youth, Florence obtained her bachelor’s and master’s degree in Communications from California State University, San Bernardino, and is a certified Holistic Life Coach, motivational writer, self-help author and celebrity interviewer. Beyond the Trinity Youth Services blog, Florence’s articles can be found in numerous platforms including Foster Focus Magazine, Heart & Soul Magazine, BET Centric and Huffington Post. A passionate advocate for the LGBTQ community, Florence continues to educate, support and mentor foster youth throughout Southern California. Email: fedwards@trinityys.org | Phone: 888.346-9645
The month of May is significant for two great reasons: National Foster Care Month and Mother’s Day. May is a special time to celebrate the true heroes who are making the world a better place for children. Trinity Youth Services is excited to honor our dedicated social workers, foster and adoptive parents, advocates, and partners who go the extra mile to help transform the lives of abused and neglected children. From the bottom of our hearts, we truly appreciate all that you do to ensure that foster children have the love, guidance and support they need and deserve.
This year, Trinity Youth Services is hosting online educational workshops, Foster Care Chats, Foster Care Q&A Sessions and more to encourage more amazing, dedicated and passionate people who love children to open their homes and give love to a child in crisis. Our awesome foster parents are loving people who truly enjoy proving a high level of care and nurturing to children. They believe that fostering is a very rewarding experience that has given them a sense of purpose and joy.
For this Mother’s Day, we would like to honor you for everything you do in helping children feel safe, loved and valued. Your patience, kindness, compassion and dedication is always recognized and greatly appreciated at Trinity Youth Services! Being a foster mom is one of the most satisfying and fulfilling jobs on the planet. We are truly aware of the effort and determination it takes on a daily basis to raise a healthy, happy family.
Juggling a hectic work schedule, fixing meals, attending after-school activities, therapy appointments and tending to other activities on your to-do list can pose a challenge. Are you always on the go, feeling tired or operating on auto-pilot? Have you stopped meeting your own needs because you’re focusing on caring for your family? Taking the time to nourish your mind, body and spirit will not only help you feel better, but will also help you become more effective in your day-to-day tasks.
These super simple tips can help you increase your energy, reduce stress and allow you to experience more peace and joy in your everyday life.
1: Practice Morning Meditation
JAMA Internal Medicine found that meditation is helpful for relieving anxiety, pain and depression. It has been found to decrease cortisol levels, which is a significant stress hormone, helps in managing positive emotions, and cultivating compassion. Dr. Wayne Dyer’s Ah Meditation can be a good start.
2: Add Fun to Your Life
Being a foster mom means putting the needs of children first, but be sure to set aside time for yourself at least twice a week. Scheduling ‘mini play dates’ or allocating times during the day to do a fun activity, such as painting, dancing, singing, reading your favorite book or working on a hobby that you enjoy can help you experience more bliss.
3: Connect with Loved Ones & Friends
Maintaining your relationships is crucial to self-care. According to The Mayo Clinic, adults with strong social support have a reduced risk of many significant health problems, including depression, high blood pressure and an unhealthy body mass index (BMI). With a busy schedule, it can be difficult to meet with your friends or loved ones in person. Decide to keep in touch by calling, emailing or video calling a loved one using Duo, or other apps. Doing this once a week can have a tremendous impact on your well-being.
We’d love to hear from you!
Do you have tips you’d like to share with other foster parents? Send an email to Florence, and we will post your response in our next newsletter! Stay tuned for more exciting parenting tips, inspiring stories and supportive resources!
Florence Edwards, Foster Care Marketing Specialist
Florence has a strong commitment to helping foster youth and their families thrive and live successful lives. A former foster youth, Florence obtained her bachelor’s and master’s degree in Communications from California State University, San Bernardino, and is a certified Holistic Life Coach, motivational writer, self-help author and celebrity interviewer. Beyond the Trinity Youth Services blog, Florence’s articles can be found in numerous platforms including Foster Focus Magazine, Heart & Soul Magazine, BET Centric and Huffington Post. A passionate advocate for the LGBTQ community, Florence continues to educate, support and mentor foster youth throughout Southern California. Email: fedwards@trinityys.org | Phone: (888) 346-9645
