Gaining Confidence After Trauma: Devin’s Story
Trauma manifests in different ways in both childhood and adulthood. Where some may express anxiety or anger, others may become isolated. For Devin, the trauma he experienced growing up resulted in withdrawal from others. After years of believing his voice didn’t matter, he grew nearly non-verbal and struggled to connect with people. But during his […]
Learning How Trauma Affects Children: Steve and Preston’s Story
Without much time to prepare, Steve and his wife Angela welcomed their nephew, Preston, into their home for a kinship placement. They knew the road ahead would be tough. With three sons, adding another child to their family dynamic caused a significant shift. But a deeper challenge took precedence: Preston had experienced severe neglect. This […]
100 Families Vision Tour with Restore Hope
In late January 2025, For Others hosted the first 100 Families Vision Tour. We brought together state leaders from across the country to explore the groundbreaking 100 Families Model developed by our partner, Restore Hope. Restore Hope has profoundly impacted Arkansas, providing local solutions to problems in their communities, cities, and counties. Since implementing the 100 […]
Restoring Trust: Ryan and the Collins Family
All families experience highs and lows. Yet in foster and adoption cases, trauma and past hurt often create additional, complex difficulties. Eva and Allen Collins encountered profound challenges when they welcomed their adopted son, Ryan. Sadly, Ryan carried trauma caused by past neglect and physical abuse, and he struggled with behaviors that reflected his mistrust. […]
Building a Bright Future: Tony’s Story
Teens and young adults need love and support just as much as younger children, especially those affected by the child welfare crisis. During a transitional age, instability often exacerbates the challenging aspects of growing up. Youth without support systems are left to navigate their struggles alone, frequently leading to negative outcomes in adulthood. This is […]
Safe and Sound: Amelia Learns to Trust Her Foster Father
While the children who come to Big Oak Girls’ Ranch each bring their own story, there is something that nearly every one lacks: a father. Big Oak Ranch’s campuses look like normal neighborhoods with brick houses. The only difference is that they’re all foster homes. Two houseparents, a foster mom and dad, live in each […]
Growing Together: Building a Stronger Family
Building a stronger family takes patience, love, and hard work. Thankfully, amazing foster and adoptive parents are up for the task. Sara and Kyle began their foster journey by taking short-term placements, offering care for a few weeks at a time. But everything changed when they received a call about three siblings who needed a […]
Mentorship Matters: Real Stories
In an atmosphere such as foster care where impermanence and instability prevail, many young people and families lack a solid support system. Children, young adults, and parents often find themselves with no one to help bear their burdens or walk with them through seasons of difficulty. Mentorship provides a foundational, supportive, and loving relationship that […]
Building a Connection: Maria’s Story
Adoption is often spoken about like a conclusion, but a family’s journey is actually just getting started. This incredible act of love gives children a forever home. We celebrate adoption and the exciting, joyous future of the family. As with all major transitions, however, integrating into everyday life as a new family brings challenges. Adopted […]
The Road to Reunification: Sarah and Mark
The road to reunification for parents whose children were placed in foster care can be long, difficult, and confusing. Parents may find it challenging to navigate the various requirements, or they may face complex issues that take time to resolve. Thankfully, our partner Lifeline Children’s Services makes the process much easier. They offer multiple services […]
Mobilizing in Montana: Promise686
Promise686 Montana, a branch of For Others’ longtime partner, started in 2020 when Aaron Scofield left a pastoral position to pursue a career in child and family well-being. He wanted to see more churches equipped to serve children and families in need. “God just kept saying, ‘mobilize the church, mobilize the church’,” Aaron says. That’s […]
I am Valued: Chase’s Story
Transition-aged youth (TAYs), or youth aging out of foster care, face a lot of daunting challenges once they turn 18. Many age out of state care without a family or support system to help them navigate their independence. Chronic poverty, incarceration, accidental pregnancy, and homelessness are just a few of the risks young adults often […]
