“In my life, I got lucky.
I have an incredible family and support system.
And I think people who have that,
kind of owe it to the world to pour that into
people who didn’t get that lucky.”
~ Allison, Fostering Great Ideas mentor
Allison and Summer’s story is told to celebrate Fostering Great Ideas 15th year of supporting and restoring lives and relationships within the foster care system.
Thirteen years ago, Summer and Allison got ice cream for the first time.
Summer was 12 years old, living in a group home, while Allison was a young mother, career woman, and volunteer, who wanted to find a cause she could fully devote herself to – one that would make a genuine impact in one person’s life.
After she discovered Fostering Great Ideas, Allison was paired with young Summer, a sweet girl who had experienced neglect and assault in her family, was abandoned by her father, and passed from group home to group home (more than 10) in the several years she lived in the system. The trauma and instability she experienced from the loss of her family, plus her parents going to prison for many years, led to her running away multiple times. Meeting Allison was the first miracle Summer had ever experienced.
Over the course of their mentorship relationship, Allison never forced Summer to have difficult or specific conversations. Instead, she focused on giving Summer exposure to new experiences: her first haircut and manicure in a proper salon, trying new restaurants, mental health walks, and attending social events. All of these experiences helped coax Summer out of her shell. She became more open and talkative, comfortable with Allison and comfortable with herself. Slowly, she allowed herself to be vulnerable with Allison, and see her as what she always wanted: a stable, family figure delighted to give her one-on-one attention.
As their connection deepened over time, Summer imagined more for herself.
A life where she created her own family. Got a stable job. Pursued new interests because she had a newfound confidence in herself. Allowing herself to imagine so many positive possibilities resulted in something kind of extraordinary: she realized them.
Summer got married this year, and Allison walked her down the aisle.
Summer has a beautiful baby girl and is now the mother she always dreamed of. She works in manufacturing and loves her job. And most importantly, she has new tools that she uses in all aspects of her life, like a positive outlook that guides all of her decisions, as well as a deep desire to be better. “She’s constantly trying to get better. She’s always striving to improve things for herself and her family,” Allison said.
When asked what dreams Summer has for her own daughter, she replied: “I want her to have everything she needs. I want her to go to school and create a career for herself. I want her to be independent and live a good life.”
Without Fostering Great Ideas influence in her life, Summer believes she wouldn’t be anywhere near her current life. In fact, she’s so grateful for its influence that she’s been considering becoming a mentor herself. In her words, to “pass on the love and support I received.”
For Allison, mentoring Summer has been one of the most rewarding experiences she’s ever experienced. “In my life, I got lucky. I have an incredible family and support system. And I think people who have that kind of owe it to the world to pour that into people who didn’t get that lucky.”
We couldn’t agree more.
We’ve had hundreds of mentors make a difference in a child’s life without becoming their adoptive parents. Simply showing up means the world to so many children in foster care. If you or someone you know is interested in mentoring with Fostering Great Ideas, visit our Life Support mentoring page.
To help fund the important work of healing relationships for those living in foster care, you can support “Shine On”, Fostering Great Ideas 15th Anniversary gala on November 7th. Tickets are available at givebutter.com/shine-on-2025
