My official foster sister “Mari” was my age, 15, when she came to live with us. Her mom had died of cancer the year before, leaving Mari and her older brother floating through a variety of county facilities and foster placements, sometimes together, sometimes not. When her brother aged out of the system at 18, he had less time for Mari as he struggled to fend for himself. My mom heard about Mari’s growing despondency from a family friend and decided to go through the formal approval process so that Mari could join the large and shifting cast of teens who unofficially sheltered with my family.

Then as now, Marin County's general prosperity provided scant protection against physical and mental illness, drugs, alcohol, financial challenges and other factors that left some families unable to recognize or provide for their children's immediate needs, particularly it seemed in the more challenging teen years. My mom’s own considerable health and financial challenges meant ours was a no-frills existence. Still, when I now hear from Mari and others who joined our family back then—whether their paths led ultimately to parenthood, professional careers or, in some cases, prison—they all speak warmly of the time they found a soft and welcoming place to land when they needed it most.

Watching my daughter grow up in my hometown, enjoying the best of Mill Valley’s privileges and opportunities, I know we are the lucky ones. I am grateful to Marin Foster Care Association for building a nurturing, supportive community for foster children throughout Marin County, and for providing the education, support, advocacy and supplies that enable foster care providers to answer the needs of local children in crisis.

Please support MFCA's important work with a generous donation to the walk-a-thon, or register to walk with us and start your own donation page. Thank you so much!

Tammy