Over the holidays, we received a beautiful story that could be called “A Christmas Miracle.” Meet Allison. At just 15 years old, Allison has faced more challenges than most could imagine. Born to parents with histories of criminality and struggling with substance use disorders, her life has been a whirlwind of instability. She lived in 31 placements– which included foster homes, residential treatment centers, group homes, and behavioral hospitals–from some of which she ran away.
When the Big Country CASA Collaborative Family Engagement (CFE) team took on Allison’s case, they were determined to help her find permanency. Despite having limited information, they initiated CFE to locate Allison’s paternal family, which had previously been unknown. Using Connect Our Kids’ People Search and Family Connections tools, the CFE team immediately found several paternal relatives, including three aunts, a grandmother, and 11 cousins. Once contacted, all these relatives were eager to connect with Allison.
It was the breakthrough she so desperately needed.
Months of planning, background checks, and coordination followed. By the holiday season, Allison had started learning about her newfound relatives. One day, Alex, the CASA Advocate Supervisor, thought aloud, “Wouldn’t it be a real Christmas miracle if her family could watch Allison open presents this year?” That off-the-cuff comment quickly became a heartfelt mission for the team. They contacted Allison’s recently discovered relatives, who eagerly volunteered to send gifts for the surprise virtual reunion.
On Christmas Day, Allison met her extended family via Zoom for the first time. She ripped open presents while three aunts, 11 cousins, and her paternal grandmother watched with smiles on their faces. One aunt, Amber, immediately stood out. Her face and mannerisms mirrored Allison’s so closely that it felt like Allison was seeing a grown-up version of herself. This instant connection was profound, giving Allison a glimpse of belonging she had never felt.
For Allison, the greatest gift wasn’t under the tree—it was discovering she was not alone in the world after all. Today, Allison lives with her Aunt Amber, where she is thriving. Allison has also reconnected with her biological mother, who is now in remission from her substance use disorder. Allison is deeply grateful to be connected to a forever family with whom she can share a lifetime of holidays, support, and love.
Connect Our Kids is a non-profit dedicated to leveraging technology to find families, build connections, and create a community for children in the foster care system. Want to help more children like Allison? You can today by donating HERE.
*Names have been changed to protect privacy.
