Danielle* came into foster care with summer break just around the corner. But when asked what she wanted to do with her time off school, Danielle confessed that she hated summer. For her, summer had always meant long, hot days indoors, away from the safety and stability of school with only a TV for company. She dreaded it.
But your generosity changed Danielle’s summer and her outlook completely.
With donated dollars, Danielle’s foster mom took her to her first ever swim lesson. Not only did this opportunity increase her self-confidence in water—she’d never swam before!—but she got to feel like any other kid in the pool. And it turned out that Danielle was a natural swimmer. So—with your help—her team purchased her a recreational swim pass for her to use with her foster family all summer long. You helped engage her mind and body in ways she’d never experienced before.
You didn’t just give her access to a pool: you restored her childhood.
With every visit, Danielle grew to be a stronger swimmer and a more confident kid. By getting to play in a safe environment with kids her age, Danielle felt comfortable building new friendships. Eventually, swimming sessions with friends turned into ice cream shop stops and sleepovers—all the wonderful tween girl things that Danielle had missed out on. Because of you, Danielle’s summer wasn’t about making it through long scary days; it was about her living each one to the fullest.
