I didn’t watch any of the Super Bowl this past Sunday! No, I didn’t even tune in for the high priced commercials or to see Beyoncé, Alicia Keys, or Jennifer Hudson. I don’t live under a rock; I’m just not a football fan. I am a fan (advocate) of youth in foster care, however. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that in addition to Michael Oher of the Baltimore Ravens, Patrick Willis of the San Francisco 49ers was also a successful foster care alumnus. After a little more research, I learned that the two men facing off against each other in Super Bowl XLVII were good friends and former teammates at the University of Mississippi. That excited me. No matter who won the football game, Michael and Patrick’s triumphant stories scored a win for youth in foster care.
“Did you know there are two former foster kids and a handful of adopted players playing? There are even a few players that have foster care related foundations. Could this be the Foster Kid Super Bowl?” –Chris Chmielewski, Foster Focus Magazine
Michael and Patrick received what every child separated from their biological family needs. They were accepted as a part of a new family, loved, supported, educated, and given a chance to thrive. Despite past traumas, disappointments, or mistakes, children and teens in foster care want and deserve life-long connections with people who believe in them. The 50th President of the United States of America, the scientist who discovers the cure for HIV, the 2020 Gold Medal Olympian swimmer, and the 2025 Nobel Prize for Peace award winner may currently be in the foster care system waiting to be adopted into a stable family that consoles their heart, nurtures their spirit and encourages their talents.
Related Blog: You Want Me To Adopt A Teen From Foster Care?
“Families don’t have to match,” she said. “You don’t have to look like someone else to love them. There are wonderful kids all over this country who need a forever family. And we believe there are no unwanted kids, just unfound families.” – Leigh Ann Tuohy,
Adoptive mother of Michael Oher
Nicki Sanders, MSW, Chief Visionary Officer
The Teen Toolbox utilizes youth portfolio development and civic engagement and academic empowerment strategies to help teens set goals for life after high school and create a road map to reach those goals through its PACKAGED FOR SUCCESS™ Programs. We are committed to supporting and raising awareness about the needs and potential of teenagers in the foster care system.
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