There’s a line in Ralph Waldo Emerson’s poem Success that has been imprinted on me since I first heard it at my college graduation: 'To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived . . . This is to have succeeded.' I even have it on a charm bracelet given to me by my husband. Working in foster care and adoption, you try for everyone. You don’t always have a win at the end but when you do, it’s what keeps you going.
As a criminal justice major at Slippery Rock University, I had to job shadow in a juvenile probation office. It sparked my interest in working with older youth. At that time, it hit me how close in age I was to some of the youth I was working with, but their paths were so different from my own. At age 16, they were kicked out of their homes or even parenting. The helper in me was activated. After a brief time working with youth at a group home, I took a job at a private adoption and foster care agency, providing adoption services to youth. Now, as a technical assistant, I help educate and empower adoption case workers so they can provide the best quality services to children and families.
Having that background in direct service helps me in my role because I know firsthand the tough realities—budgets, staffing and more—private providers face. There’s predictability in child welfare, but there’s also a need for change. It’s exciting to jump on opportunities to support the professionals that are supporting the kids. Ever since the time I spent in juvenile probation, I’ve known every kid deserves a chance. I believe I’m called to be a part of creating that chance.
- Rachel, Technical Assistant
We Are Voce is a series featuring the unique voices of Voce staff, highlighting the experiences, perspectives, and passions of the people who make a difference every day. This series celebrates the people and stories that bring our mission to life.
