I came into the care of Children’s Aid when I was 15 and pregnant. I was never used to the feeling of having someone that cares about me or genuinely wants to see good things for me, so when my worker pushed me to reach my goals, I always pushed back. I didn't feel like I had to listen to her when I do not even listen to the adults I was raised around. After having my son I started to realize that everything my worker was pushing me for was all so necessary to be successful in life (school, health, budgeting, saving, planning, etc.). Some people don’t understand what it is like being in Children’s Aid care! I personally couldn't be more grateful, thankful, and appreciative for all the time, work and effort that my worker put into me and my future! But what makes me feel even better, is knowing that out of everything I've been through, and dragged my worker through as well...my Children’s Aid never gave up on me!
Chantelle, former youth in care, mother
Two of my grandchildren were made Crown wards of the Children’s Aid about 10 years ago. My oldest grandson has had health problems since birth and has been in and out of SickKids Hospital all his life, he is now 15. He was most fortunate to have been given a registered nurse as his foster Mom, from day one till now. We, his family, all have legal visitation of these two boys. His foster Mom has shown so much care and love my grandson and also has another boy that she legally adopted. She told me that my grandson will always be able to stay in her home as long as she is healthy enough to look after him. I cannot thank her enough for her dedication and the strength she has given him. This grandson has just had a kidney transplant and is doing okay. This foster Mom is so special, I think that the Children's Aid should give awards to these special people that dedicate all their time to the children that are in their care.
Pat, grandmother of six
My brother and I came into care when I was 11 years old because of the abuse I was going through. Not enough words can describe how Children’s Aid has and continues to change my life. With the help of my worker and my foster parents, I overcame all my struggles. I have wonderful people in my life who consider me family and are proud of me. I have the opportunity to work as a summer intern with my local Children’s Aid Society. This experience has opened my eyes in a different way. I get to see first-hand all of the hard work these people put in to make our lives better as struggling youths. To top it all off, I have been lucky enough to be the recipient of numerous scholarships to help with my education. I am currently studying Health Sciences with a minor in Psychology at the University of Ottawa in hopes of becoming a paediatrician one day. I know my dream is possible because with Children’s Aid, the sky is the limit. I truly believe that anyone can make a difference and one day, I will make a difference.
Christina, former youth in care
I grew up in a home of 12 children as my parents fostered and adopted through CAS. All of us siblings have always considered ourselves simply to be one big family. My parents fostered for many years and all of us always felt our lives were so much more enriched by it. The experience shaped my career path as I have now been employed by a Children's Aid Society for 22 years and could not imagine doing anything else. My parents have now passed on but all of us siblings keep in touch and will forever be grateful for the unconditional love that our parents showed all of us through many challenging times. I want to pay forward to other children, birth families, and foster/adoptive families just a little bit of the early teachings that I was so fortunate to have. I am your Children's Aid.
Cyndie, foster sibling, worker
When someone is born into a highly dysfunctional family, it is easy to fall into that same path and for the cycle to be repeated. In my case, this did not happen and it does not have to happen like that. I live by the phrase “what does not kill you makes you stronger.” Imagine growing up in a place where you see drug deals, prostitutes and a lot of violence and poverty. I was raised in a neighbourhood like this for quite a big part of my childhood. But, my mother could not take care of me and so I was placed in foster care. I went from one foster home to another and then back to my mother, just like a fed-ex package. When I was nine, I became a Ward of the Crown, so ‘perma-foster-care’. I have been through some of the worst foster homes. At the age of 15, I landed in an amazing one! I call my current foster parents my guardian angels! Now, I forgive my mother and we are still in touch. Throughout it all, my goals were something that helped me move forward and beyond all the things I went through. I am now majoring in Political Science at the University of Ottawa, I work for the Prime Minister's Switchboard and I am writing a book called "Attitude."
Karisa, former youth in care
I was only 8 years old when my step-dad started to abuse me. Children’s Aid stepped in and got my step-dad to stop. Now, I live with my mother and my three other siblings safe and sound.
Stephanie, abused child
One day, I came home from school when I was 13 to see the entire contents of my home out on the lawn due to eviction. My mother and her boyfriend were gone. I waited for my younger brother, who has autism, to come home and we went to stay the night at a nearby neighbour’s house. I went to school the next day and broke down. My brother and I were homeless after years of poverty, neglect, alcoholism and abuse. After a few years of being in care, I moved in with a family who truly loves me as one of their own. They, along with my worker of six years, encouraged me to be all I could be and go to university. If it wasn't for Children's Aid, I wouldn't have a place to go to on Christmas or holidays, and weekly Sunday dinners. I would have never met my worker, my best friend, and my family. I wouldn't be as happy and strong as I am today.
Dawn, former foster child
