Foster parent Elizabeth Aguer inspires others with her warm smile and positivity, despite having experienced struggles that would break most people. As a refugee from South Sudan, she understands the trials of fleeing one’s home and finding refuge in the U.S.
When Elizabeth’s husband was killed in the war in South Sudan, she was left to care for her newborn son by herself. She walked hundreds of miles to Uganda, where she stayed in a refugee camp for six years. Then she moved to a refugee camp in Kenya, where she waited eight years to finally resettle in Phoenix, Ariz.
Building a Life in the U.S.
Adjusting to the U.S. was yet another test of Elizabeth’s resilience. She worked night shifts for many years and braided hair to bring in extra income. She did all this while taking classes to learn English and saving up to purchase a home.
She now owns a convenience store where she sells products native to countries like Ethiopia, Egypt, Kenya and Sudan. She is well known for her hair braiding skills and offers these services at her store.
Finding Purpose with the Unaccompanied Refugee Minors Program
Because she grew up as the eldest of nine siblings, Elizabeth always had someone in her care, whether it was her siblings, a niece or nephew, or her son. Her nurturing spirit and experience as a refugee led her to foster youth through Catholic Charities’ Unaccompanied Refugee Minors (URM) program.
The URM program licenses and trains foster homes to care for foreign-born children in the U.S. without a legal guardian. It also helps with legal aid, healthcare, counseling and case management to support unaccompanied minors and their foster families.
Becoming Part of a Loving Family
Elizabeth has lost many family members due to war. Fostering allows her and her kids to feel like part of a family. They may not be biologically related to her, but they are hers.
“When we go out together, people ask me, ‘Are these your kids?’ I say, ‘Yes, they really are,’” adds Elizabeth.
Making Connections Through Firsthand Experience
She has a strong understanding of what her kids are going through when they arrive in the U.S. She likes to cook food that’s familiar to her kids to provide them comfort and let them know she cares.
“I am here to listen to the kids’ stories about their life and how they made it to the U.S. I know what it is like,” Elizabeth states.
Elizabeth hopes to be an example to her kids of how it’s possible to accomplish your dreams, even if you start with very few resources in a country far from home. “I tell the boys that no matter what you have been through, you can succeed in the U.S. if you work hard and stay focused,” she says.
Start Your Journey as a Foster Parent
Are you interested in fostering through Catholic Charities? If so, check out our available programs to learn more.
