How Boys Town New England Helped Bring the Fraser Family Together
Earlier this year, we saw an incredible journey of how one family could find each other again through the grit and determination of a father on a mission.
For Jarred Fraser, Sr., the opportunity to raise his children in a loving, stable home became a journey of perseverance, patience and commitment. With the help of consultants and other professionals from Boys Town New England, his effort to bring his children home grew into a tale of familial strength and fortitude.
For a time, Jarred’s children lived with their biological mother, leaving him separated from the everyday experiences of fatherhood. When their mother could no longer care for them, Jarred stepped forward and gained custody of the two older sons. However, one important individual remained out of reach for a time – Danika, their sister.
Although Danika shared the boys’ biological mother, she was not biologically related to Jarred, creating challenges as he sought legal custody and worked to demonstrate his ability to provide a permanent, supportive home. Determined to keep the siblings together, he renovated and expanded his house to create a bedroom for Danika, thereby completely transforming the physical and emotional space for the family in the process.
During this transition, Boys Town New England’s Kinship Program became integral to the family’s journey. Professionals provided counseling, practical parenting guidance and support. Jarred and the children navigated the complexities of forming a cohesive household, while juggling how much this journey would change them. The children, their grandmother Denise, and Boys Town professionals all contributed to an environment where the children’s well-being remained central.
Eventually, Jarred gained custody of Danika, allowing all three siblings to live together, and creating a new, nurturing, wholesome family environment. They could now share everyday experiences and build memories together as a family. For Danika, joining a home with her father and brothers marked a significant new beginning; for Jarred, it fulfilled his determination to have his children together under one roof.
Today, the Fraser family’s story reflects what can happen when persistence is met with compassion, guidance and a community willing to stand beside a family through a difficult transition. Through the Kinship Program and continued support, Boys Town helped them work toward keeping children connected to family.
What began as a father’s longing for reunification has become a testament to renewal, togetherness and the enduring strength of family.