Not a stranger to loss, Sari knew in her heart she could successfully parent a teenage in foster care. Sari completed the foster care certification process, but hadn’t found the right match. Then a friend told her about Kidsave.
Sari had always wanted a daughter. She met Eunice at her second Kidsave event. Eunice was 11 and by then had been in 27 placements. In the foster care system since birth, Eunice struggled to be noticed in a sea of unwanted kids. Eunice’s social worker considered her unadoptable. But Sari and Eunice felt an immediate bond on that October afternoon. After attending a few more Kidsave events together, Sari became Eunice’s host family. Eunice and Sari spent weekends exploring, seeing shows, skating, bowling, and enjoying Sari’s friends and family. By the time spring break rolled around, Eunice was calling Sari mommy. On June 21, 2012, Eunice moved into Sari’s home for good.
Although Eunice had been a special education student, Sari believed she could transition into general education classes. Sari worked with Eunice’s new school, and got her tutoring. Slowly Eunice gained confidence in her abilities. Today Eunice is not only in general education classes, but she made honor roll, too!
Last June, Sari made a permanent legal connection and officially became Eunice’s mom. People say Kidsave saved Eunice’s life. But it changed Sari’s life for the better too. Thanks to Kidsave, Sari and Eunice are now a happy family.