by admin | Apr 20, 2021 | Foster Care, Story
As a youth counselor at Koinonia’s Homes for Teens program, I have the unique opportunity to see transformation take place before my eyes. One of our foster teens, Dominic*, exemplifies the type of transformation that is possible. Dominic came to Koinonia’s...
by admin | Mar 16, 2021 | Resources, Special Needs
The first time I wrote a strength list for my son, it was actually from a place of frustration. I was focused on how stubborn he can be, constantly touching things, and perpetually full of energy! I sat down real quick, wrote his name in the middle of a blank piece of...
by admin | Feb 16, 2021 | Adoption, Foster Care, Story
Many people wonder, “Do I have to be married to foster or adopt?” The answer is no. Some of our resource parents are married, some are in domestic partnerships, and others are single. We recently shared Samantha’s adoption story as a single mom and teacher. She was...
by admin | Jan 19, 2021 | Culture, Foster Care, Resources
Receiving help is not a sign of weakness, but when you’ve grown up thinking you’re on your own in this world, it can be difficult to embrace the support of others. Many foster youth deal with this dilemma, yet Ray McElrathbey’s story is an example of how the...
by admin | Dec 29, 2020 | Donations, Event Highlights
In a year like 2020, many nonprofits have been faced with challenges unlike ever before. As the holiday season approached, our expectations for giving were fairly low, but we have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of our communities. Every year we celebrate the...
by admin | Nov 20, 2020 | Adoption, Foster Care, Story
This year, Koinonia has selected Samantha and her sweet, adoptive son, Clyde as our Sacramento Family of the Year. As a teacher with a heart for children, Samantha had a strong desire to provide a home to a child in need, but it wasn’t until a volunteer in her...
by admin | Nov 12, 2020 | Awards, Foster Care
According to an in-depth review conducted by Verywell Family, Koinonia has been ranked as the number one foster care agency in California. The Verywell Family article outlines the 6 Best Foster Care Agencies of 2020 and breaks down the best agencies based on different...
by admin | Oct 28, 2020 | Adoption, Foster Care, Story
Justin Chase Ham entered the foster care system at the age of four. A young child with so many complex emotions, Justin had a difficult time working through the trauma he had experienced early on in life. This trauma manifested in how he interacted with others and how...
by admin | Oct 21, 2020 | Adoption, Foster Care, Story
For many children in foster care, siblings are often the one constant in their lives. A brother or sister may be the only person who understands their experiences and can help them adjust to their new family and community. When the siblings living together in the...
by admin | Oct 13, 2020 | Adoption, Culture, Foster Care, Reviews
Unadopted is a documentary centered around Noel, a youth who entered the California foster care system at the age of one. Separated from his siblings most of his life and lacking a complete understanding of what happened to his family, Noel begins the journey of...
