DONATE TO HOUSTON ANGELSIN HONOR OF NATIONAL FOSTER CARE MONTH
Mireya spent several years in foster care as a teenager. At age 14, she was removed from her home. She and her 17-year-old sister stayed in an emergency shelter for a few weeks, and eventually they were placed with a foster family.
Although there was an initial culture shock and awkwardness that came with joining a new family's ways and traditions, she has extremely fond memories of those years. She felt safe and loved in her foster home, and enjoyed being surrounded by supportive neighbors and church community.
She talks about all of the contradicting emotions involved with foster care - feeling relieved to be safely removed from her parents' home, yet at the same time, pining for her parents and the familiarity of her old life. After a few years, she was eventually reunified with her bio family. Things were still not okay and as a result, her mental health began to decline. She finally moved in with her best friend, whose family played an important role in guiding her through early adulthood.
Listen to the full episode to hear all about Mireya's journey, how these experiences have fueled her passion and life's work, and how she believes anyone in the local community can make a difference for a child in foster care.
Interview by: Melissa McGrath, President of Houston Angels
Edited by: Hannah Gils | www.hannahgils.com
