Jerry
Tell me about becoming a Foster Grand Parent with Reconciliation Services. I’ve worked with children since I was nine years of age. I took care of my brothers and sisters growing up. I understand these kids, because I went through a lot of the same things they’re going through in school and at home. I understand their anger, I felt it as a kid. I know their tears because they were my tears. I can be there for them, listen to them and support them and laugh with them too. Laughter makes all the difference. RS gives me a stipend which is nice, but I don't do it for the money. The kids are my motivation. It’s seeing their smiles and watching them reach their goals, that's what makes my heart sing.
Is it important to you to give something back to your community? Put it this way, I have no plans to ever stop my involvement with FGP. I know that in being there I make a difference in the lives of these kids and that’s important to me. It’s more than that though, I enjoy seeing their smiles and being known by them. I help them grow, but they help me grow too!
How would you like to be remembered by the kids? I would like them to remember me as a genuine, kind person who cared about them and believed in them—that I was someone who contributed to them growing up and becoming good people, people who make a positive difference in the world.
