SLF Blog

When I Left, They Left

Date: October 11, 2023 | by Selfless Love Foundation

KeShuna B.

Wichita Falls, Texas

If I’m writing from my heart, a permanent connection is something I’ve never experienced. To me, the connection leaves when you leave care. I aged out of foster care at 19. For me, that’s when life started.

Although foster care was a horrible experience for me, I did have some adults who stuck their necks out and did everything they could to help me. Some were positive, some were negative but at the time that didn’t matter. There were times when I was my only supportive adult and I got myself through whatever I needed to. If I had a permanent connection, I would have a better story but it’s something that I lacked while in and out of foster care.

A permanent connection would have been cherished and amazing to hold on to. It’s also something I still crave. It hurts not to have just one connection in your life that matters that you know is permanent and will always be there. Instead, it feels as if you never have anyone because when you leave, they will too.

Tags: Foster Care, Selfless Love Foundation, Youth

Selfless Love Foundation - Give the Gift of Family
Selfless Love Foundation Blog - Dream Tank Competition Showcases Former Foster Youth

Dream Tank Competition Showcases Former Foster Youth

Former foster youth from across Florida stepped into Selfless Love Foundation’s Dream Tank for the chance of a lifetime. The annual competition, which invites contestants to share their aspirations with a panel of judges, took place on Friday, May 13 at The Breakers.

Selfless Love Foundation Blog - A Testimony

A Testimony

Proverbs 11:14: “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety” (ESV). When you spend most of your childhood in the Bible Belt as I did, it’s not unusual to have an adult in your life throw out this bible verse –

Close The Pet Shop Protecting the Safety and Privacy of Children in Foster Care

Close The Pet Shop: Protecting the Safety and Privacy of Children in Foster Care

Diamond W. recalls the initial discussions about adoption photo listings as powerful. As a youth advocate, Diamond helped to facilitate a round-table discussion in 2022 with fellow youth impacted by foster care.

Selfless Love Foundation Blog - Black Sheep – The Importance of Connections and Support

Black Sheep – The Importance of Connections and Support

What are personal connections? How supportive is your support system? Who makes up your support system? If you can answer these three questions with no hesitation, kudos, you are a part of something rare and remarkable.

Selfless Love Foundation 10 Years - A Decade of Dedication