KidSave, a non-profit organization dedicated to finding forever-homes for foster children and orphans in foreign countries, is bringing Maria from Colombia to Arlington for the summer.
With the ability to sponsor a child, fund a scholarship, or be a host family through this organization, many children can and have been helped out of poor living conditions in countries, such as Colombia, Russia, and Sierra Leone.
All it takes is an “open heart and open home,” said Delta Ninow, assistant manager of KidSave International. “After the kids go through the application and screening process, we [the workers] love to see the kids when they arrive.”
Jen Fulwiler, blogger, satellite radio show host, wife, and mother of six, experienced being a host for the Summer Miracles program in 2009 and said, “Summer Miracles was as much of a blessing for our family as it was for our host child. It introduced us to a wonderful child, who remains a friend of the family, and helped us see the world through her eyes.”
KidSave began in 1993 and after the debut of the Summer Miracles program in 1999, has helped more than 1,700 children find families. Also during this trip, KidSave teams up with the local social workers, adoption agencies, health professionals, and government officials to ensure a good stay, exposure, and a potential permanent family for the child.
Mary and Gerald Hubbard, after hosting a Summer Miracles child three years ago, are excited for round 2. But they are not the only ones looking forward to this summer’s adventure. The Hubbards adopted Dayana, a foster child, also from Colombia, two years ago. The couple met Dayana at a KidSave event during the Summer Miracles program in 2012 and although was hosting another child in their home, bonded with Dayana.
“I am excited to meet a new friend and I hope that she gets adopted,” said Dayana Hubbard.
The Hubbards have children of their own and have loved expanding their family. “We fell in love with Dayana,” said Mary Hubbard. The Northern Virginia family that hosted Dayana three years ago also decided to host again this summer.
“We’re really just spreading the word,” said Mary Hubbard. “With word of mouth and networking, we have a huge network and also host fundraisers.” If residents are interested in learning more about being a host-family, contact Deltak@kidsave.org and visit www.kidsave.org/programs/orphan-hosting.