our mission
I believe all kids, no matter the life they are born into should have the opportunity to feel loved, protected, and safe. That someone is on their side because they want to be, not simply because the state has appointed them to be.
We get one story in this life. Your family doesn’t have to define you, but if you’re searching for a home base, you’re welcome to mine.
the meaning
“Were you a foster kid?” The number one question on everyone's mind when they ask why I’m involved in the foster care system. Truth be told, my story could not be further from that reality. When describing my childhood, I often say “I am from a Leave It to Beaver family, in an Andy Griffith town.” I have never seen my parents fight. They are one another’s best friends.
My dad is a construction worker and my mom is a para at my hometown elementary school. Before all else, they are God fearing human beings who believe in being the best parents, who poured their hearts into raising myself, and my siblings. I’ve never had to question whether I was loved or safe. If I would have clothes that fit me, a coat in the winter, or dinner on the table. My siblings and I have always felt safe in the walls that we called “home” they built together. If I could give every kid just an ounce of the security I was raised with, then I believe this world could be a better place.
Growing up a Galyon has been my greatest honor to date and I am excited to have y’all join the fam.
Galyons was created to be a place of support for every part of the foster care community. A reference for employees, a resource for foster parents, and most importantly, a family kids can trust as they jump into adulthood. We encourage the kids to be accountable for their success and reward them for the small wins as well as the big leaps into the next phase of life. All while getting community members involved to rally around each kid and help them succeed.
It is normal for a kid at 18 years old to want to start being responsible for the decisions being made about their life. Like many of you, at eighteen I moved out of my parents house and started school. The difference between many of our stories and this phase for children 18-21 in the system. Our parents were not going to let us fail. They were always one call away. Yes, they held us accountable for how we spent money, our grades, and overall life choices. No matter what happened, they had our back.
Galyons is that family. We want to encourage kids to flourish while giving them a home base they can depend on.
ABOUT GALYONS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
NORTH CAROLINA FOSTER CARE STATISTICS:
Over 12,000 Kids In Foster Care
5,436 Licensed Foster Homes
Neglect Is The Leading Cause Of Children In Foster Care
Within four years of aging out: (18-21)
70% will be on government assistance.
50% will be unemployed.
50% will experience homelessness.
25% will not finish high school.
And fewer than 12% will ever earn a college degree.
HELP US MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
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