May 12, 2025 The Strength of Kinship From Uncertainty to Stability—One Achiever’s Journey With His Aunt by His Side When Tiera became a kinship foster parent to her 7-year-old nephew, one of our Achievers, in April 2023, she knew it wouldn’t be easy—but she also knew what he needed most: love, stability, and family. He had already experienced multiple placements by the time he came to live with Tiera. His father, Tiera’s brother, had passed away, and the weight of that loss was still heavy. But in their time together, they formed a bond rooted in care, laughter, and trust. Tiera describes her nephew as a bright light—happy, helpful, and full of energy. He loves basketball, drawing, building with magnetiles, and traveling (he’s already been to Ohio, Orlando, and even on a cruise to Cozumel!). Together, they’d spend time watching movies and having heart-to-heart conversations, making space for him to express his feelings and feel safe. When Tiera learned about Friends of the Children New York, it felt like the kind of support she had been searching for—extra encouragement for both of them as they navigated a complex journey. Through the program, her nephew started getting academic and behavioral support that hadn’t been prioritized in previous placements. His Friend helped with everything from sight words to swimming lessons. Tiera says the biggest difference was the consistency and care. Tiera’s proud of how far her nephew has come. He’s learning to manage his emotions, think before reacting, and take responsibility for his actions. These are big milestones for any child—but especially powerful for one who’s faced so many transitions. For Tiera, the most rewarding part of being a kinship foster parent was showing him what family should feel like. “To love on him, to share the happiness of life, and the bond of family.” Even through challenges, Tiera remains a strong advocate for her nephew’s future. She hopes he gets to experience joy, success, and the stability every child deserves. And to other kinship foster parents working with Friends, her advice is simple: lean into the support. “Use the program. It allows the kids to progress, have a place to grow, and connect, not only with their mentors, but other kids.” At Friends of the Children New York, we’re honored to be part of this Achiever’s community—and Tiera’s, too.*For privacy reasons, the Achiever's name has been excluded.