“Mike” came to LFS last September when he was placed in a foster home after spending a month in an emergency youth shelter. Mike, who grew up in an adoptive home, did not experience many normal childhood events and was home schooled his entire life.
Mike was in several placements that didn’t work out. A former state foster mother commented that Mike was the worst person she had ever met and that if she never saw Mike again the rest of her life, she would be happy.
After meeting with Mike, LFS staff felt that a specialized program could work for him. Within weeks, Mike got very involved in school. He now teaches soccer to sixth grade students, participates in the concert choir, and acts in school dramas. Mike even helped his junior class win best homecoming float.
Mike feels part of his new LFS foster family. He refers to them as mom and dad and is being taught many skills to prepare him for the future and his eventual move out on his own at the age of 19, when he “ages out” of the system. Mike is working hard to get his grades up and is looking to start a part time job. Mike’s goal is to be a neurological surgeon. After such a long journey, Mike has commented that his new family has given him many gifts, including the gift of security. “This is the greatest place I have ever lived,” said Mike.
