My Village
Our Story
Four years ago, a young boy joined our home. Despite enduring some of the most severe abuse we had witnessed in 20 years of fostering, he quickly became our hero. He consistently modeled kindness, compassion, and courage. He refused to be defined by his trauma, and through his journey, he taught us a profound truth: when a child is empowered, we are empowered.
This is the foundation of My Village.
Our Mission
We aim to shift the narrative surrounding children in care by replacing stigma with strength. We want to move away from the "victim" mentality and foster an environment of resilience and agency. Children in care often face profound uncertainty—asking, "Where do I belong?" and "What happens now?"
Our goals are to:
Provide belonging: Ensure children realize they are never alone.
Build a global village: Create a community that transcends geography and race, connecting children with a network of supportive mentors.
Redefine the future: Encourage young people to recognize their potential and take ownership of their direction, regardless of their past.
The Symbolism: Three Little Birds
Inspired by the song Three Little Birds, our concept uses three distinct species to represent the diversity and inherent value of every child in care:
The Penguin represents lifelong loyalty and shared parenting. By choosing a mate for life and often acting as the primary caregiver regardless of traditional gender roles, the penguin challenges societal stereotypes. It reminds us of the power of deep, consistent, and loyal connections.
The Flamingo may appear petite or vulnerable on its long legs, but it possesses incredible strength and capacity for sacrifice. When a mother flamingo cares for her chick, she transfers her own nutrient-rich energy to her young, causing her to lose her vibrant pink color until the chick becomes independent. This serves as a powerful metaphor for the strength found in nurturing and the profound commitment of those who support our young people.
The Pigeon is often unfairly maligned as a nuisance, yet this reputation is a misunderstanding of a truly remarkable creature. Pigeons are highly intelligent, adaptable, and masters of survival in challenging urban environments. They are deeply social beings who form strong bonds and work together to care for their young. They represent the untapped potential and incredible resilience of the children we serve.
The Core Message
We want every child to know that their history does not dictate their future. Through My Village, they are connected to a community that sees their potential, honors their story, and reminds them daily:
"Don't worry, I belong."