13 children, all under the age of 12. That's the number of foster children Mary Reed cared for in one year. Most were brothers and sisters that are too often split up and live in different foster homes. Being in foster care and away from home is hard enough for a child; being separated from a brother or sister can be devastating. Approximately 70 percent of children in foster care in the United States have another sibling in care.

     Mary Reed is committed to providing a foster home to sibling groups at Children's Aid and Family Services. She radiates warmth, humor and serenity. "Not every child will immediately trust you," Mary says. "You have to have patience and show love." She remembers one little girl who had been removed from her parents' care and had been in multiple homes before coming to Mary's house. "It took three weeks before I could touch her or do her hair," she says. "Once she relaxed and realized she could trust me, she came to me and gave me a hug."

     As we approach the holidays, we thank you for making these stories of hope possible with your support of Children's Aid and Family Services. Your support helps us provide training for foster mothers such as Mary. Thank you.