My First Kidsave Event
by Terra Hernandez
Last weekend was my first Kidsave event as a member of the Kidsave Communications team! We held a Weekend Miracles Connection Event at the Maple Park Community Center in Glendale, Los Angeles. Weekend Miracles is our unique hosting program that pairs older kids in foster care (ages 9-17) with families that want to mentor, host, or adopt a child in Los Angeles and Houston. Families and kids get to know each other in casual and engaging environments through our Meet the Kids events.
As a Communications Intern, my responsibilities at this event were to capture photographs and videos of the kids and their mentors and prospective families spending time together and getting to know each other. I took photos and videos to share on our website and social media for our audience to see the life-changing work we do!
As I navigated the 101 to Glendale, I was excited to take part in my first Kidsave event, yet also nervous about meeting the kids for the first time. After an hour of driving, I finally made it! It was a temperate Saturday, with the sun shining after some much-needed rain.
After helping decorate the space and bring refreshments in, I welcomed the kids, families, and volunteers into the space. The families and kids were invited to grab a refreshment and a snack, and sit together to bond and get to know one another better over board games. I took photos and videos of the kids bonding with potential host parents and watched the Kidsave magic happen.
Following a half hour of board games and conversation, our amazing volunteers and staffed passed out lunch to the participants. We all enjoyed the selection of delicious sandwiches, chips, and cookies. Families and kids got to relax and form connections as they shared a meal together.
After lunch, the kids created vision boards of their dreams for the new year. They each grabbed magazines and cut out images or words that reflect their vision for 2023. Olive, a 13-year-old looking for a forever family, worked on a vision board that included “getting into it!” Olive shared that they are excited for what the year has to offer and is looking forward to new opportunities and experiences.
The families and kids had the opportunity to reflect on their experiences this past year and get excited for what the future may hold. The kids were invited to share with the group what their vision board meant to them, and then it was time to clean up and say goodbye. We hope that the positive visions the kids have for 2023 blossom and come true. I can’t wait for my next Kidsave event!
