July 27, 2026

Walks along the infinity path. Taking a dip in the ocean. Playing soccer and cornhole out on the lawn. Grilling hamburgers to perfection. This is what the summer feels like at Plummer.

People often ask, “What are the kids like?” The truth is they’re just like any other teen or young adult figuring out who they are. Every young person at Plummer is unique with their own distinct personalities.

Some of the young people we’ve served have been talented guitarists, photographers, or athletes. Some enjoy riding their bikes to get chicken nuggets at McDonald’s. Some enjoy learning how to cook healthy meals in the group home kitchen. Each young person carries their own unique story. But they all share one important thing in common: the pain of losing their home and family.

Rebuilding Trust and Confidence for Kids in Foster Care

Every young person at Plummer carries emotional trauma. On average, youth at Plummer have spent more than 2,500 days in the system. By no fault of their own, they have experienced the pain of being separated from their families and experiencing multiple life transitions. Growing up in the foster care system leaves some of the youth at Plummer experiencing a form of internalized shame and feeling unwanted.

Our mission is to find permanency for the youth we serve. When we say permanency, we mean family you can count on. A safe, stable, emotionally-secure parenting relationship to support them through adulthood. Last year we were so happy to see 83% of the youth we serve achieving relational permanency—leaving our services with an important person by their side.

But this process takes time.

The journey back to family depends not only on the practical steps involved, but also on the emotional work it takes to heal from past wounds.

When youth arrive at Plummer, we take on the important work of helping them rebuild trust in the world around them and provide a safe haven to heal. Our social workers help them process deep emotional wounds they’ve held inside.

Together with your help, we’re able to shift their perspective.

Where your Support Shows Up: A Summer of Childhood Moments

For most teens, summer plans happen naturally with family. Parents fill the calendar with trips to camp or days at the beach. For young people in foster care, it’s not always the case.

The social workers in Plummer’s residential programs help youth to process past trauma, build coping skills, and develop strength to move forward. But they also work to create meaningful childhood moments for the youth that turn into lasting memories.

Our residential team hosts fun events on campus, like water balloon fights and field days. They also set up adventures outside of Plummer’s campus with the kind help of our supporters. Thanks to our generous donors, the young people at Plummer have experienced the thrill of attending their first Red Sox games at Fenway and deep-sea fishing on a charter boat. We’ve also been hosting an annual trip to a campground in Sebago Lake during the past 10 years.

We rent a row of lakeside cabins and spend time enjoying all the outdoor activities the campground has to offer. The youth we serve have a chance to go kayaking, grill hot dogs, and roast marshmallows by the campfire at night. They also enjoy swimming in the crystal-clear lake and freshwater fishing.

The trip to Sebago Lake provides a meaningful opportunity to step out of their element and try new activities in an environment much different from what they are used to. Many of the young people at Plummer come from more urban areas such as Lowell, or regions right outside of Boston. For some, it’s their first time being able to experience a quieter setting in the tranquil woods.

These fun summer moments are important to develop self-confidence and rebuild trust for the youth as they form connections with others. They’re able to have their own summer adventures to share, just like the other kids their age. These activities may seem small, but they carry significant weight.

Alongside the work of building lasting family connections, these moments give young people in foster care a chance to have a normal, joyful childhood. You are the reason these summer moments exist.

Do you have a favorite summer activity or memory you’d like to make possible for young people at Plummer? Contact us today!

Thank you for helping kids in foster care reclaim the childhood they deserve.