A Holiday of Hope for Richie
When ten-year-old Richie* first came to Alternative Family Services, the world felt like a scary place.
After surviving abuse and instability, he arrived in our emergency placement program anxious, exhausted, and afraid to trust anyone. He had been prescribed a very high dose of medication that left him drowsy and withdrawn during the day. Most heartbreaking of all, Richie was unable to spend time with his younger brother, their bond strained by fear and trauma.
But this holiday season, Richie’s story is beginning to change.
With patience, compassion, and teamwork, Richie’s resource family and AFS treatment team have surrounded him with the structure and understanding he needs to begin his healing journey. Through Intensive Treatment Foster Care, he’s learning to manage his emotions, connect with others, and rediscover a sense of safety. His clinicians have worked closely with medical providers to develop a lower, more effective medication plan, which helps him stay awake, engaged, and present.
Slowly, Richie started to open up, smiling more, asking questions, even playing games with his foster siblings. For the first time in months, he’s looking forward to something special: spending time with his little brother over the holidays. Their visits, once too overwhelming for him, are now filled with laughter and shared stories. The hope is that, in time, the boys will be reunited in the same home to grow up together in a safe, loving environment.
Every gift to Foster Joy helps children like Richie experience stability, family, and belonging, things every child deserves, especially during the holidays.
Your generosity brings moments of peace, connection, and joy to children who need them most.
This holiday season, Richie’s story is beginning to change thanks to AFS.
>* Names changed to protect identities.
