Family dynamics range anywhere between the extremes of a tight-knit sitcom family from the ’50s to the dysfunctional families on reality TV today. No family is as perfect as the Cleavers, but the average family probably doesn’t have it as bad as they think.
To put things into perspective: About 237 foster children in Santa Maria don’t have families to call their own, according to Kathy Davis, division chief of Santa Barbara County Department of Social Services.
Along with the unfortunate circumstances that have thrown them into the foster care system, these children experience life as a turbulent pattern of instability and uncertainty.
But a new program aims to put some sunshine into the lives of foster children in Santa Maria, thanks to Diane Rae, who has established the city’s first Royal Family Kids (RFK) organization.
“One of our goals is to develop trust and tell them that there are people who really care about them. And also to build up confidence in them to show that they can succeed in doing things,” Rae said.
RFK holds an annual summer retreat at Cachuma Lake for foster children ages 6 to 12. The organization created a weeklong camping experience with activities that include singing, storytelling, puppet shows, arts and crafts, a scavenger hunt for boys, and a tea party for girls, along with a rope course designed to build self-confidence.
“In their regular everyday lives, these children have experienced so much stress and so much loss that it is overwhelming to them,” said Barbara, who works for youth services and asked the Sun to withhold her last name for confidentiality purposes. “So this special week gives them a chance to get away from the things that cause them sadness and stress.”
While in camp, photographers take pictures of the children as they participate in the various activities. The photos are then compiled and turned into individual albums of each child’s stay at camp, all artfully decorated by volunteers, and given to the children to keep as souvenirs.
“A lot of these foster children don’t have pictures of themselves because when they get moved around from foster home to foster home, and they lose all their belongings,” Rae said.
According to Barbara, one of the most touching activities the RFK camp provides is a birthday party for each camper.
“Many foster children have never had a birthday party. The kids’ eyes twinkle when they talk about that day,” Barbara said.
Added Rae, “Some people think: Does one week really make a difference? And it really does because these kids really remember it. It’s like if someone was blind and got sight for one week. Wouldn’t they remember that? It’s the same way.”
To volunteer or learn more, visit santamaria.rfkc.org or call 264-0731.
Intern Jason Banania compiled this week’s Community Corner. Send comments or ideas to the Sun via e-mail at intern@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Feb 9-16, 2012.
