Growing up in the foster care system isn’t easy for any child. The trauma of separation can create a lifetime of struggle, but it can also create resiliency and spunk. Eclasia Wesley, a Black woman formerly in foster care, experienced separation from her biological family, racism, and sexism. She also experienced the sigh of relief by finding a forever family through Kidsave’s Weekend Miracle’s program.
Eclasia went into foster care and experienced a lot of instability. Once Eclasia moved to her fourth foster home, her social worker offered her the opportunity to get involved with Kidsave. That’s how she met her host, LaRhonda.
LaRhonda and her biological daughter started taking Eclasia out to more events and deepened their connection. When Eclasia needed to move foster homes, LaRhonda was there to help her move. LaRhonda taught Eclasia the meaning of a safe consistent relationship.
Eclasia doesn’t have anyone else she can call when things are rough. But she has LaRhonda, another Black woman who understood the struggles she experienced, and taught Eclasia how to navigate them. She showed up consistently and had her back. Now, as a grown woman, Eclasia still calls her “Mommy.”
LaRhonda also helped Eclasia transition from a child in the foster care system to a self-sufficient adult. Kidsave serves older youth in care, many of whom need guidance on how to leave the system and become successful. Black youth in care are even more likely to become homeless or less successful due to racism as a barrier. Transition Age Youth (TAY) require services to teach them about navigating adult responsibilities. Black women face different hurdles such as unequal pay which requires assertiveness and self-advocacy.
LaRhonda was able to help Eclasia understand how to present herself professionally, get an apartment, and get a job. Now, Eclasia participates in a feminist group, travels, works full-time for a non-profit organization.
Learn how you can become a host for a child of color in foster care.
