Rachel Thomas

At the age of 9, I was placed in the foster care system. At first I was not sure if I would ever find a place where I can call home. I didn’t know if I would ever feel safe again. At age 10 I starting “dating” Rev. Tina Carter. I didn’t realize at the time that I would develop such a strong bond with this woman and she became my “Mom”. As I grew up, she continued to nurture my strengths and abilities and also showed me that I did not have to carry the label of being a foster child. I was able to participate in many activities that helped to shape me into a valuable and respected member of society.
 
Throughout the years, I have been blessed by the presence of a strong woman and she lead me to believe that with hard work, dedication, and God that anything was possible. I started to strive to become more like her and still have my own individuality. I have always been drawn to helping others and excelled in the Usher Ministry at church. I was appointed Regional President of the Junior Youth Usher Association. I enjoyed this because I was able to sense when there was a need and brought comfort to many people without being asked. I also liked to be at every meeting to discuss different policies and how to bring other young people to Christ.
 
For several years, I have listened to my Mom talk about You Can Begin Again and it is overwhelming to see the things we prayed about happen. The reason I wanted to get involved was because I feel very passionate about helping others cope with the feelings that come along with being a foster child. I can relate to others because I have often felt isolated, alone and unwanted. I want others to know that they don’t have to continue to feel that way and you don’t have to act out in order to receive love and affection.
 
As a board member, I plan to continue to encourage young girls that they don’t have to be a statistic and they are not alone. I have a different bond with these girls because I have been in the same position as them. I want to encourage others the way my mom encouraged me. I take this as an opportunity to be a support for any young woman in need.