We recently received the following note from a foster-to-adopt parent. As you will read, the lives of Lyle* and Marshall*, two boys, have been permanently changed.

“We had Marshall’s Independent Education Plan re-evaluation meeting this morning. On every single assessment: cognitive, behavioral, emotional, developmental, social, and academic he had a perfect score. There is not one aspect of his life that was determined to be out of norm or impacting his education. His guidance counselor believes that one or more of his teachers might actually recommend him for honors classes next year in high school!

As the school social worker and school psychologist reviewed his assessments, they discussed some of Marshall’s history, much of which the teachers and administrators didn't know about. The more they understood what Marshall has overcome, the more impressed they were with my awesome son.

I am quite aware that we have much to watch out for and will always need to pay close attention to Marshall’s needs, but I wanted to share this with you not only as good news, but also as a way of saying THANK YOU to each of you for the role you played in bringing Marshall to where he is. Going into this, there were many unknowns and uncertainties and I felt that our entire team was dedicated and committed to making this happen - and it did!

He's home, he's safe, he's doing great and most of all, he's proven to all of us that he really is that awesome kid he always wanted to be.I imagine there are days when you struggle to convince yourselves that what you do is having the impact you want it to. I know you're not all in this work for the fame and fortune. Please, the next time you can't get through to a kid, or they slide backwards, or you have to put up with an ornery foster parent like me, think of Marshall and our family and the beautiful new beginning that's been created and know that what you do matters.

You will all have my undying gratitude for giving me the gift of Lyle and Marshall. I am truly convinced that these boys are God's most special and treasured angels and those of you who are called to bring them from darkness into light are especially blessed. – Jeremy
*Names changed for privacy and protection of the children