The Children’s Home Society of North Carolina is working diligently to ensure that teens in foster care find permanent families where they can grow, learn, and have the opportunity for a bright future. The organization is focused on providing these teens with the love, structure, and consistency they need in a family setting to flourish.
One such teen is 14-year-old Kalen, who has spent the majority of his life in foster care and is currently awaiting adoption. His journey through the foster care system has been challenging, but his resilience and desire for a family continue to shine through. Kalen is one of many teens in need of a loving home where he can build a future filled with opportunities.
Kalen’s bright smile and sweet demeanor are instantly noticeable when you meet him. He spent the day with WXII 12’s Audrey Biesk at Wet ‘N Wild Emerald Pointe, enjoying the water park with his foster mother, Alfreda Harris, who has become an important part of his life. Harris has been caring for Kalen for the last several years, and their bond is clear as they share moments of joy together.
Over the years, Harris has worked hard to help Kalen develop his language skills, something that has been especially important due to his autism. Kalen, like many teens in foster care, needs an adoptive family who can provide the stability, structure, and most importantly, the love he needs to thrive. Harris has witnessed firsthand how much Kalen has grown and blossomed with the care and support he receives in her home.
Harris described Kalen as sweet, fun, exciting, and adventurous. His loving nature shines through as he shows affection to others through hugs and by helping out around the house. Kalen is not only thoughtful but also strives to succeed academically. “He also got an award at school for the most helpful, and he got an award in school for A honor roll,” Harris said. These accomplishments are just a glimpse into the potential Kalen holds, given the right opportunities and a family to support him.
Harris wants prospective adoptive parents to know the profound impact they can have on a child’s life through fostering or adoption. For children like Kalen, who are in the later stages of their teenage years, finding a permanent family is critical to their well-being and future success. “Give them hope,” Harris said. “For the children who are 14, 15, and 16 years old, when I say give them hope, they can come in and be a part of your family, give them the same love you give your kids, and give them that love back. It’ll be equal as long as you treat them good, like a part of your family, it’s a joy.”
If you are interested in learning more about adopting Kalen or other teens in foster care who are awaiting adoption, please call 336-271-7989 to connect with the Children’s Home Society of North Carolina.
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