In this conversation, Aretha Boomer shares her profound journey through the foster care system, detailing her experiences from entering care at six years old to becoming a licensed social worker. She discusses the challenges she faced, including the lack of knowledge about her rights and the impact of her upbringing on her self-worth. Aretha emphasizes the importance of unconditional love, positive influences, and faith in overcoming adversity. She expresses her desire to empower youth in foster care, drawing from her own experiences to provide support and guidance. The conversation highlights the need for community support for foster families and the significance of understanding each child's unique story.
Takeaways:
Aretha entered the foster care system at six years old.
She was adopted at ten but faced challenges due to a closed adoption.
Lack of knowledge about her rights impacted her journey.
Positive influences, like her middle school counselor, were crucial.
Unconditional love was a significant need that she felt was lacking.
Her experiences shaped her self-perception and self-worth.
Faith played a vital role in her healing and empowerment.
She aims to be the support she didn't have for others.
Community engagement and workshops are essential for foster youth.
Foster parents should understand the unique needs of each child.
https://www.panhandleorphan.org/
Sponsor:
High Plains Christian Ministry Foundation
https://baptistcommunityservices.org/hpcmf/
Aretha Boomer:
https://www.instagram.com/arethaboomer/
