At first glance, Zachary is your typical four-year-old: he loves playing outside and his favorite food is popsicles. Curious and gentle, Zachary is happiest while watching the birds in his backyard. He often dreams of being able to fly away.

Just by looking at him, you would never know that Zachary has experienced profound neglect and abuse at the hands of parents grappling with addiction and their own histories of trauma. From the start, Zachary’s parents were unable to provide the care and attention he needed to grow and thrive. He was often left to fend for himself, which meant hunger, lack of safety, and a mounting sense of being unloved. Heartbreakingly, what was best for Zachary and his family was for him to be removed from his home and placed in the foster care system.

Seneca was contacted and quickly paired Zachary with a foster family who showed him unconditional love and provided a safe place where he could begin healing from the trauma he had experienced. With the support of his foster parents, Zachary soared.

Seneca foster families provide stability, safety and love to children just like Zachary. Our families receive ample training so they are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to help stabilize the child and provide trauma-informed care. But beyond skill, Seneca foster families give youth a second chance at experiencing a joyful childhood and adolescence.

Our commitment to finding and training safe and loving foster families changes the story for thousands of children who enter the child welfare system. But we can’t do it without your support. Invest in Seneca today to provide children with the love they need and deserve.