Sarah and her older sister were placed with Friends of Children and Families when their parents could no longer care for them due to a drug addiction. Sarah was 12 at the time and her sister was 13. During her time with Friends, Sarah, said she learned independence, money management, and how to take care of a household while still going on outings “like a normal kid”. She fondly remembers going to places like Rollins for Basketball games, Orlando Magic games, going to movies, bowling, and even visiting Universal Studios Orlando.
Sarah admits she didn’t love learning the life skills then, but she is glad that she did now. Sarah uses the skills she learned with us as she parents her 8 year old son. She believes that she will be able to use her experience in Foster Care to help others and be a role model for kids leaving the system.
Sarah is currently living in Kentucky since reconnecting with her family. She has a stable job and she and her sister are focused on raising their children. Sarah and her sister Jennifer are pictured above along with a picture of their children.
“(I am) very thankful to have been in the program. Now that I’m older I look back and realize everything you guys taught us was to prepare us for the real world. Y’all are amazing for everything that you guys do and I hope to come visit one day.”
-Sarah Riley