Children in foster care long for their family during the holidays.
Thanksgiving Grace restores hope to children in foster care and their families. Every year, we invite children, along with their families, to experience a meaningful Thanksgiving meal together. This first “Great Idea” began in 2011 and has been held annually ever since. It's a favorite among our team and the community at large.
This year's meal was graciously hosted by Downtown Presbyterian in Greenville, SC. Seven families were invited by Social Services to experience a Thanksgiving feast together and kick off the holiday season. Volunteers from across the community provided turkeys and delicious dishes, and helped to serve and welcome the children, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and caregivers.
Enjoy these reflections from those who attended Thanksgiving Grace. Each echoes the essence of what we all want - families expressing their love and building their lives together.
And may you think of what, and whom, you are grateful for this holiday season.
Wishing you Peace.
“When my children went into foster care, I lost hope that we would be together again. As a mom, it felt that no matter what I tried, it would never be enough for the outside world.
>Then I learned that my case manager referred us to Thanksgiving Grace because I was making progress on my treatment plan. It was fantastic!
It was the first event where we could be together for a holiday since the kids went into foster care. I would not change anything about it.”
~ Mom
“I loved that mac-cheese!
I rated it #2, because my Grandpa makes the #1!”
~ Child at Thanksgiving Grace
“Thanksgiving Grace allowed me to feel more connected to my children.
During Thanksgiving and Christmas, I feel sad because the holidays growing up were traumatic for me. Participating in the event gave me new strength. I loved playing Connect 4 with my children and building the album that will have our pictures in it [from the event].
Also, the food was delicious! It was a wonderful experience.”
~ Mom
“I know that my foster children are with me temporarily. Still, when you see how everyone engages in building positive experiences, you know that the children and their parents are going to do well.”
~ Foster Parent
“When I first received the call from Greenville DSS, I had no doubts about becoming a foster parent for my grandchildren. DSS provided all the support I needed to care for my grandsons while my daughter worked on her treatment plan.
Thanksgiving Grace was fantastic. I feel grateful for organizations that support kids in foster care. If there is another event soon, we would love to be part of it.
Thank you, everyone!”
~ Kinship Care Grandparent
“I had fun and made new friends!”
~ Child at Thanksgiving Grace
Children in foster care long for their family during the holidays.
Thanksgiving Grace restores hope to children in foster care and their families. Every year, we invite children, along with their families, to experience a meaningful Thanksgiving meal together. This first “Great Idea” began in 2011 and has been held annually ever since. It’s a favorite among our team and the community at large.
