Ensuring Connections to Strengthen Permanency
At SAFY, we believe in the power of strong families. Reunification and permanency, whenever possible, is always our goal. Today, we celebrate Tina, a dedicated foster parent from SAFY of Nevada who embodies this philosophy. Read on to discover how she goes above and beyond to build positive relationships with the families of youth in her care, paving the way for successful reunification and lasting connections.
Beyond Fostering: Building Bridges for Reunification
Ernestina (Tina) Huerta’s fostering journey wasn’t planned. Initially, Tina hoped to adopt, but she was surprised by the number of youth in foster care and was inspired to start fostering in 2007. While raising her biological children in California, her focus became providing a stable home for large sibling groups. This dedication to keeping families together continued after her move to Nevada, where she continued to provide foster care and eventually found SAFY as she sought additional support for her mission. She readily admits, “Fostering hasn’t always been easy, but having a strong support network at SAFY is why I can continue.”
Fostering Connections, Not Just Youth
Tina’s passion extends beyond providing a safe and loving home. Having welcomed over 100 youth into her care, she recognizes that fostering makes her a temporary but crucial part of a youth’s life. This understanding fuels her dedication to building positive relationships with a youth’s family whenever possible. She works to develop rapport with families and create a welcoming environment for youth and their families as they navigate difficult situations. She cherishes moments when youth light up when they get to spend time with family in comfortable settings like at her home, sharing a meal, or playing at the park, replacing the sterile atmosphere of an office.
Just recently, Tina hosted a birthday party for one of the children in her care. She invited the child’s siblings, foster parents from another foster home, and the children’s father to participate in the celebration. Maintaining family bonds is crucial to a youth’s well-being and Tina is doing a fantastic job ensuring youth receive everything they need to reach their full potential.
Mission of Healing and Family
Tina understands the disruption foster care brings. Her mission goes beyond offering normalcy and healing; it’s about fostering connections that ultimately reunite families whenever possible. Even when they’re grown and moved on, many of the youth Tina has cared for still consider her “mom” and have included her in their families. This enduring relationship shows the life-long impact of authentic connections.
