Orr Shalom Foster-Central Stories

Inbar, who lives with an Orr Shalom foster-family

I was placed in Orr Shalom's care because my mother was ill and beat me, while my father and big brothers were at work all day. My brothers were also removed from home, and my younger sister lives with my aunt. I have lived with a foster-family for seven years. They have raised me with love and have always cared for me. I feel part of the family and love them lots. Thanks to Orr Shalom, and with the help of a warm and loving family, I have had many successes. Recently, I passed my driving test. I maintain a connection with my parents and my siblings as much as possible.

Rachel*, Inbar's foster-mother

To my dear child!

I didn't conceive you and I didn't give birth to you. I didn’t accompany you during the first phases of your life, and I didn't learn to read the feelings that were expressed on your face. Therefore, I need beams of light as pointers to show me the way through the swirl of your daily emotions. Orr Shalom is one of those pointers.

During the course [to become a foster-parent], I received tools to identify the causes and motivation for your behavior. I became aware of the knowledge that I needed in order to understand your difficulties and to connect to you. Slowly I came to realize how much I appreciate you for your ability to overcome the hardships and for being able to become part of us. You manage to avoid conflict and bridge the cultural gaps in addition to understanding and internalizing our family codes that are becoming part of your identity, in such a natural way.

Your ability to receive me as a mother in all senses of the word excites me. It is important that you understand that I want only the best for you. It's not a secret that you have to deal with multiple parents. Feel free to bring your love to them: know that I am happy about your ability to love them and I believe in their right to your love. I wait for the time when you will feel free to talk openly with me about your complicated life, to take my advice about what you're doing, and to express the feelings that rise within you. Then I will know that I am the mother I want to be to you.
 

To donate, click here