The holiday season brings with it a distinct sense of excitement. This past Christmas, Adam and Melanie Brown had a special reason to celebrate.
They would be taking their 19-year-old foster daughter, Alma, and her three-year-old daughter, Elena, to see Christmas lights together. Three years ago, Alma and her daughter settled in the U.S. from Guatemala with the help of Catholic Charities’ Unaccompanied Minor Foster Care program.
Adam and Melanie Brown decided to open their home because they wanted their children to see how enriching it is to help someone who is vulnerable and needs support.
Helping Unaccompanied Minors Thrive in a New Country
The Unaccompanied Minor Foster Care program allows people to open their homes to youth with refugee status, T or U Visa status, Special Immigration Juvenile Status, and those who are child victims of human trafficking without a guardian to care for them.
Community Placements Provide Additional Support
Former foster youth like Alma who are participating in the Semi-Independent Living Program need Community Placements. Community Placements allow clients who are 18 years or older to be placed in a home without a foster care license.
Clients rent a room from the family and learn about living independently with the benefit of a safety net and mentor. Program staff provide support to the child, foster family, or Community Placement as well as ongoing case management.
Becoming Part of the Family
“Elena needed a family and called us mom and dad from day one. I think she and [our child] must have held hands together for the first week,” said Melanie.
The Browns have no problem accommodating Alma and Elena and making them feel comfortable. The family played a lot of UNO in the beginning because it was a way for them to connect without needing to communicate in English much. Alma and Elena recently joined them on a camping trip and attend regular gatherings with the Browns’ extended family.
On a few occasions, Melanie and Adam have come home to find that Alma has washed the dishes and prepared a meal of Guatemalan food and tortillas for the family. This is her way of showing her appreciation.
An Unbreakable Bond Forms
Adam and Melanie are glad to help with watching Elena when Alma wants to be with friends. “We want to support her as a teenager who needs to have fun sometimes,” said Adam.
Alma's English skills are fast improving, which will help her when she begins to look for a job. Adam is also teaching her how to drive.
The Browns have enjoyed learning some Spanish from Alma, as well as discovering more about her culture. A lifelong friendship has blossomed, all due to the family’s willingness to open their home.
If you're interested in learning about how you can help unaccompanied minor youth, please contact Ruthanne Hopkins at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 602-647-8154.
Ruthanne Hopkins has worked with Catholic Charities' Unaccompanied Minor Foster Care program for two years. She has lived overseas and enjoys the richness of different cultures. She has 20 years of experience working with refugees.
