“You Can Help Break the Cycle”
November is National Adoption Month
Four children in our community are no longer living in fear.
They are going to school, making friends and coming home to a place that is safe, clean and loving. Because of one caring couple, these four siblings have broken out of the vicious cycle that has plagued so many of their family members.
Roy and Shelley Schneider officially adopted Arica, Angel, Michael and Michaela this year after providing foster care for them for 12 months. The Schneiders, who have four children of their own, say they knew immediately that these youngsters were meant to be a permanent part of their family.
“These children didn’t ask to be born into the situation they were in,” said Shelley. “They’re just in need of someone to care for them and show them how to be a better family.”
Shelley knows all too well about the cycle that ensnares so many of the kids she and her husband have cared for as Boys Town Foster Parents over the years. As a child, she was shuffled between family members’ homes and was separated from her siblings. Shelley vowed to do everything she could to prevent other children from repeating her childhood experience.
Today, the Schneiders say becoming Boys Town Foster Parents and adopting is the best thing they could have done for their family. Shelley said caring for children in need has had a positive impact on their family’s lifestyle and on each individual family member.
“Foster care has helped form our children into loving people who care for their community,” she said. “Our youngest son Jake, who’s 17, has really stepped into the role of big brother for Michael and has shown him what a positive male role model is. There’s a brotherly love between the two of them that is just beautiful to watch.”
While the Schneiders’ hearts are devoted to the newest additions to their family, they readily admit it’s not easy. Besides doubling the size of their family, the couple also has had to work hard to convince Arica, Angel, Michael and Michaela that they truly are part of a new family.
“The kids are so unsure of your love for them that they will push until you prove it to them,” explained Shelley. “You need to have a lot of patience, but it’s so worth it. The kids want to learn, they want to be better. You can help break the cycle.”
If you’d like more information about Boys Town Foster Family ServicesSM or fostering to adopt, please call 402-498-3018 today.