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 - All About Me

All About Me

My name is Ralynn Floyd. I have been in foster care for almost 15 years. The journey wasn’t always easy because I was too young to understand what was happening.

Dear World

Not every youth in foster care gets adopted, and while it is a beautiful experience to have adults commit to you, it often comes with conditions.

Selfless Love Foundation Blog - Never Lost

Never Lost

As a foster kid, I found that permanency and supportive adults were both typically lacking. During my time in care, there was always a wave of people coming into and out of my life.

Selfless Love Foundation Blog - Evidence Drives Advocacy for Youth with Lived Experience

Evidence Drives Advocacy for Youth with Lived Experience

Selfless Love Foundation is proud to offer youth with lived experience a safe space to connect, express themselves, and feel heard. Our youth engagement initiative, One Voice Impact, further elevates youth voice by empowering our members to influence policy.

Selfless Love Foundation