Sonya & Chantel
Sonya and Chantel always knew they wanted to help children in need. Sonya, a social worker, and her wife Chantel, had both been familiar with the foster care system and wanted to make a difference in the lives of kids who needed a loving home.
Through VOA Illinois, they met Madeline, VOA Illinois’ Foster Care Licensing Coordinator, who was working with two youth who needed a new home. In July of 2021, Trey and Maria, who had been with VOA Illinois since 2018 and worked with Madeline ever since, were placed with Sonya and Chantel.
Madeline gushes, “Trey is eight years old. He is charismatic, hilarious, and the most loving person you’ll ever meet. He doesn’t know a stranger and loves to make friends and play soccer. Maria is five years old. She is smart, funny, and has the maturity of a 16-year-old and a 65-year-old, all wrapped up in a 5-year-old’s body. She loves gymnastics and unicorns; the two siblings are best friends who could never be separated. Sonya and Chantel are the most wonderful parents Trey and Maria could ask for. The kids had experienced so much trauma and had been abused in their previous home, but Sonya and Chantel were steadfast and supportive throughout the whole process. They are their biggest advocates. They pour so much love into the kids, who have grown and blossomed with them so much. From day one, it was clear that they were meant to be a family. For the first time, they feel safe.”
This story is just one example of the incredible impact that VOA Illinois has on the lives of children in foster care. With your support, we can continue to provide safe and loving homes to children like Trey and Maria and help families like Sonya and Chantel provide the care and support that these children so desperately need. Thank you for joining us in making a difference in the lives of these children.