OHIO: Just weeks away from aging out of Bridges, a transitional living program, Tammy* was desperate to find people she could permanently connect with, not only for herself but also for the sake of her children.
Since Tammy didn’t know much about her biological family, she took a 23 & Me DNA test. Tammy and her caseworker entered the results into our technology platforms. Soon, one name led to others, which led Tammy to connect with a biological aunt who lived out-of-state.
That aunt is now not only in Tammy’s life, but she has given Tammy many connections and a long-term support network. Tammy’s aunt gave her contact information for all the relatives in Tammy’s local area.
Within a week of outreach, some of Tammy’s relatives were in her living room. They brought diapers for her child and groceries too. But more importantly, Tammy now knows that she is part of a family who wants to have a relationship with her and her children.
With a biological family now surrounding her with support, Tammy feels more confident than ever that she can give her children the kind of childhood she never had.
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 Tammy? You can today by donating HERE.
*Name has been changed to protect privacy.
