Meet The Resource Parent: Gwen Lloyd
Here at AFS, we are lucky to work with some amazing Resource Parents. Today, we’re going to highlight one of them: Gwen Lloyd.
Ms. Gwen Lloyd has been a resource parent with AFS since October 23, 2009. She has worked with our Developmental Delayed Youth (DD) and our Intensive Services Foster Care program (ISFC). Over the years Ms. Lloyd has provided care for over 34 youth with an average stay of 240 days in her home.
Ms. Gwen Lloyd has been a resource parent with AFS since October 23, 2009. She has worked with our Developmental Delayed Youth (DD) and our Intensive Services Foster Care program (ISFC).
Over the years Ms. Lloyd has provided care for over 34 youth with an average stay of 240 days in her home.
She is an active participant with training other resource parents and demonstrates an eagerness to learn and develop parenting skills. Gwen has provided a home to multiple youth with extremely challenging behaviors.
Impact Story: How Gwen Worked with Shawn
In this story, AFS Program Director, Rita Washington, reflects on one of her favorite Gwen Lloyd stories:
“What I admire about Gwen is her ability to hang in there when it seems like placement may not be the right match. One of these clients was Shawn.
I had received notice that Shawn was slated for immediate removal from his current placement’s home and he would require a higher level of care. At the time, I did not know Gwen very well, but saw in our tracking system she had a bed available for a male client.
When I reached out to her, I told her everything about Shawn, and she responded by stating, ‘Bring him on.’ Which I did the same day before she could change her mind.
In April of 2015, Shawn was placed in Gwen’s home and there was no honeymoon period. His challenging behavior was immediately exhibited. Gwen never gives up when working with traumatized youth and that was the same for Shawn. She invested the time and patience required to stabilize him and consistently worked with her AFS caseworker trying ‘this or that.
During 2018 Gwen began to discuss her level of commitment (forever) and shared her desire to adopt Shawn. On February 7, 2019, that became a reality.
Shawn openly talks about how grateful and appreciative he is to have Gwen in his life. He has since graduated from high school, secured a job and currently attends college. He contributes his accomplishments to his MOM.
When he shares his gratitude, he is corrected by Gwen, who states that he is the blessing that came into her life. It has been refreshing to watch their relationship develop and become solid over the years. To see a kid go from spreading and hiding feces (among many other challenging behaviors), to becoming an example and spokesperson for youth is priceless.”
Considering Becoming a Resource Parent Too?
AFS staff, families and kids are grateful that Ms. Gwen chose to partner with our agency. She has had a profound impact on the lives of so many Northern California foster youth. Thank you for all your compassion, commitment and care!
Interested in fostering kids or teens in your community? Head to https://www.afs4kids.org/register-to-become-a-foster-parent/ to learn more and get started on your application!
