Kait got involved with Family Services of NW PA after signing up to be a foster parent through the Foster Care Department. Through that experience, she adopted six-year-old Eli. When Eli was placed in Kait's home, he had already been living in foster care for nearly four years and was receiving therapy through the Center for Counseling and Wellness at Family Services of NW PA.
Eli immediately bonded with Kait and her family. After a few months, Kait had the opportunity to formally adopt Eli. She credits Eli's case manager with helping to make this process smooth and easy.
"From the time that Eli moved in with me, his case manager was absolutely great," said Kait. "It's a little scary when you finish the adoption process because you wonder if you're on your own, but I don't feel that way at all."
Kait has seen substantial growth thanks to the services Eli receives through the Center for Counseling and Wellness. "With Lisa, I have just seen so much growth and progress," said Kait. "Eli has developed great coping mechanisms and a lot more patience."
Eli is also learning how to positively express his emotions with his new family. "One of the biggest moments was the night before his adoption when he was feeling a little down," said Kait. "He was able to tell me how he was feeling, and we were able to have a great and beautiful conversation, and we continue to have those conversations."
As Eli continues to settle in with his new family, Kait appreciates the continued support she receives from his team at Family Services. "I know for a fact that if I reached out to Eli's caseworker, I would get a response and that she would be able to guide me from there," said Kait. "If I had a concern, I know that she would connect me with who I would need to be connected with."
Since being adopted, Eli has visited seven new states and toured the Titanic Museum in Las Vegas. He is quick to say that his mom makes his dreams come true. "My world was that small," said Eli while pinching his fingers," and now it's big."
