Anthony’s Story: Together with family at last
September 12, 2023
When we first met Anthony, he was isolated and alone.
He was living in a highly restrictive group care facility hundreds of miles away from his family. Anthony saw his mother just a few times a year and, even then, he had to visit her while she was at work. He hadn’t seen his brother, Carter, in eight years. Your support ensured that it didn’t have to be that way.
We advocated for Anthony to live at our group home in Salem, close to his mother, uncles, and siblings. We listened when he told us that what he wanted most – more time with his mom and to see his brother Carter.
We engaged his mom right away. Though she could not be his full-time parent, it was clear that Anthony loved her deeply and wanted her in his life consistently. With Anthony close by, their relationship flourished.
In a happy twist of fate, Plummer soon also began working with Anthony’s brother, Carter. We wasted no time reconnecting the brothers. Anthony was so happy to spend time with Carter doing things they both loved, like playing basketball.
This fall, Anthony’s mom and uncle stepped in to take him shopping for school supplies and clothes, rather than him having to shop with a Plummer staff member. It may seem like a small thing, but the gesture exemplifies how Anthony’s life has been transformed. He used to stay home most days, interacting with only paid professionals. Anthony now has a life full of relationships and activities that have expanded and enriched his world.
We work with so many young people who, like Anthony, have family members who want to support them but can’t, often due to barriers like distance or cost. Youth in foster care deserve better. They deserve family.
