CHRISTMAS BLESSINGS
WECAS Holiday Program helped young mom experience family; Now she’s passing on the spirit to her own sons
Even during the toughest times in Rania’s young life, the holiday season has remained a bright spot.
As a child spending Christmas with her family, in care in foster homes and a group home, and later as a new mother with an infant son, the generous spirit of the season always found her.
Admittedly a former rebel sidetracked by circumstance, this lovely woman feels “grateful and blessed” for the help and support she received from the WindsorEssex Children’s Aid Society as she transitioned from childhood to adulthood.
“Iwantto give back now with my voice,” Rania says.
By sharing her story, she hopes to re assure young people inWECAS’s care that people are looking out for them. She also wants community members to knowtheir donations to the Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid Foundation’ s Holiday Program and other initiatives make positive differences in countlessways, now and in the future.
Remembering how upset she was being placed out of her home, Rania recalls WECAS staff comforting her saying, “It’s just arough patch, but you’ll get through it.”
“Knowing that someone cares is a great feeling,” Rania says. “It’s a feeling that a lot of people need and want. I got that.”
Now them other of two boys– Jeremiah ,4, and Jayce, nine months old – Rania says that thanks to foster parents and supporters of the Holiday Program, Christmaswas a happy time for her, with wonderful dinners and presents.
“I think part of why I love Christmas so much is that Children’s Aid made it so great every year. Holidays in the fosterhomes were awesome! Itwas always like a special time andmy foster family made sure I was incorporated into their Christmas holidays,” says Rania.
“I want to do that for my kids, too: What I experienced, I want them to experience every year at the holidays.”
What resonated most deeply with Rania was being with everybody, knowing she was not alone.
“I alwaysmake Christmas about people,” she reflects. “I try to teach my son, it’s not about presents, it’s about family time.”
Resources were tight after Ran ia started her ownfamily. “Iwas able to put stuff under the Christmas tree for Jeremiah. It came from Children’s Aid. That surprised me because I thought I was the only one in foster care. For them to do that formy son was really nice.”
Raniais turning 25 and is no longer eligible for WECAS programs. She is a success story, a contented mother and a graduate of early childhood education and office administration programs.
Bursaries from the Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid Foundation assisted her in achieving post-secondary education. She is thankful not to be burdened by huge student debt.
“With the childhood I had, I could have completely gone the wrong way,” Rania acknowledges. “I had a goal to succeed over the ordeals I had to overcome.”
Realizing WECAS people and donors believed in her gave her the encouragement required to rise above challenging life circumstances. “I had the support I needed. It’s all right there. Youjust need to take it and run with it to make it great.
“The Holiday Program helps a lot of people,” Rania notes.
In 2016, approximately 880 families enjoyed Christmas because local individuals, organizations and businesses purchased items onwishlistsand/ormadefinancial donations to WECAS toward the cost of gifts and essentials.
This year’s need is also significant. The foundation is urging our community to support the 2017 Holiday Program by sponsoring one or more local families experiencing a variety of difficulties and receiving services from the society. Or they can sponsor youth in WECAS’s care and transitioning to independent living.
The foundation appreciates it is important that children receive only new gifts that are selected especially for them.
Needed items include new, unwrapped toys, household products, clothing, food vouchers and cash donations. Charitable tax receipts are issued for all donations over $20. Gifts are being received by the foundation until Dec .1. Each contribution helps write a child’s story. Cashdonations arewelcome up to Christmas day.
One day, Raniawill tell her sons how she overcame challenges through her own determination and her community’s belief in her.
“How we help kids and support them is going to be the makeor-break for them,” says Rania. “Please support Children’s Aid. You’re helping kids. You helped me and look where I am!”
For more information and to discuss how you can support the 2017 Holiday Program, contact the WE C AS community initiatives coordinator at 519-252-1171, ext. 3236 or visit www.wecaf.on.ca.