May 28, 2025 Rooted in Love How Ms. Virginia Created a Safe Space for Healing and Growth Ms. Virginia, a proud mother of three daughters and originally from the Dominican Republic, has spent her life living her values: family, love, safety, and care. After raising her daughters and watching them grow into strong young women, she felt called to continue nurturing others. She made a decision that would change not only her life—but the lives of two children in foster care. Two years ago, she welcomed Prince and Beloved, young siblings in the foster care system, into her home. Prince, now nine years old, is caring and intelligent but often struggles with emotional regulation. Beloved, now ten, faces significant support needs requiring a high level of attention, patience, and compassion. The early days of their placement were filled with transitions and learning curves. Ms. Virginia knew that building trust and a sense of safety would take time. She approached the process with steady care, focusing on communication, structure, and observation. Through this commitment, she has formed a strong and growing bond with both children. The family now share in activities that bring them closer together—playing games, watching movies, going to the park, and even having special karaoke nights. These moments are not just recreational; they’re essential to healing, bonding, and building a foundation of love and normalcy.Parenting children with complex needs comes with many challenges, and for Ms. Virginia, having a reliable source of support has made a meaningful difference. Since enrolling Prince and Beloved in Friends of the Children–New York, she has found strength in the relationships she’s built with the staff and through caregiver programming and events. These opportunities have provided her with a community she can lean on—one that affirms her commitment and helps her navigate the everyday realities of foster parenting with more confidence. What has meant the most to her is how welcomed her children felt from the very beginning. That sense of belonging was powerful—not just for Prince and Beloved, but for Ms. Virginia as well. It created an environment of safety, trust, and acceptance. While every day brings its own challenges, knowing her family is supported and embraced has been a source of hope and motivation. Ms. Virginia sees fostering not just as a role, but as a purpose rooted in love, patience, and unwavering commitment. For her, the reward lies in the small victories—the progress, the affection, the connection. Every hug and every step forward is a reminder of why she chose this path. She finds joy in watching Prince and Beloved grow, knowing she’s planting seeds that will one day flourish into responsibility, empathy, and strength. She dreams of a future where they thrive—where college, careers, and stability are within reach. But more than anything, she wants them to become compassionate, grounded individuals who contribute positively to the world. With the support of Friends of the Children–New York, she continues to nurture that vision, helping her children build emotional resilience and a strong sense of self. To anyone considering becoming a foster parent, Ms. Virginia offers this: approach it with love, patience, tolerance, and the heart to treat children as your own. The journey isn’t always easy—but it is deeply meaningful. Through her story, she reminds us that showing up, consistently and with care, can change the trajectory of a child’s life.