Cumberland Youth & Family Services Kinship Family Spotlight
Did you know that kinship homes provide 39% of foster care in Texas? Kinship placements allow children in the child welfare system to be placed with family members or close family friends. This can greatly improve the experience for a child in foster care, keeping them closer to their communities and loved ones.
Meet Yolanda, one of Cumberland Youth & Family Services’ kinship caregivers. We are so excited to share her story and more about her kinship journey with you today!
Kinship Family Interview
What does it mean to you to be able to provide a home for your grandchildren?
“It means everything to me because I can’t see my blood anywhere else or with other people. I have to keep them in my home and keep my family together. The love I have for them no one else will have or understand because these kids come from my kids who are just struggling right now. I will give everything I can to help them in any way possible. They are my life and I will continue to work hard to provide for them.”
Why did you choose to get licensed?
“I got licensed because I knew it was the right thing to do for my family. Getting licensed was going to not only help my grandkids in the future but also help me financially right now. It also means when my kids grow up and other kids need help, I can continue this journey and care for other children that need a loving home like mine.”
What do you see as the greatest need in fostering?
“Kids need to have a loving home and someone who will sit and take time to listen to them. Someone who is willing to go above and beyond for them. Someone who is going to be there no matter what.”
What is your greatest hope with fostering?
“I hope to give my grandkids a stable home and a place that they can always come to.”
Why did you choose Cumberland’s Foster Care and Adoption Program?
“I was with different agencies, and no one would come help me with my grandkids. Everyone always ignored me or said I had too many kids in my home. Cumberland 100% walked with me every step of the way. They never hesitated when I needed help with something. Everyone with this agency was so helpful, arms wide open because they could tell I needed this so badly.
I love this agency. Right away they made sure I understood everything and held my hand through the whole process. This was the best decision I have ever made for me and my grandkids. I feel such a relief and feel like a better person knowing I have people in my corner fighting for me and with me.”
Kinship Support for Families Through Cumberland
Are you looking for a team that can guide you through the process of becoming a licensed kinship home? Centrally located in Denton, TX, Cumberland’s Foster Care and Adoption Program is here to help!
Interested in learning more about becoming a licensed foster home? Our Foster Care and Adoption Program is actively seeking, training, licensing, and supporting local foster families. Join an information session and learn more about how you can make a difference in the life of a youth in foster care.
