Forever Family

Forever Home

“Mom, did you know there are children who don’t have homes?” This question came from the heart of a teenager who knew what the term “foster child” meant at an early age.  Her parents tried to adopt a young girl when Mariah was five years old, and this birthed a desire in her that has grown and flourished into a ministry to the most vulnerable children in our society.

Mariah Wilde, Executive Director/Founder of FamilyLink Foster Care and Adoption Agency, an organization that connects families with displaced children, states that when it comes to the question of helping children by loving them, fostering them, adopting them, or whatever – God says “Yes!” and “Now is the time.” Chris and Mariah said, “Yes!” and became foster and adoptive parents in their early 20’s to hurting children.

Many years ago, Mariah read a book by her hero Heidi Baker, ”There is Always Enough,”  that states we can have lives that go from the “ordinary to the extraordinary” when answering God’s call to the “least of these.” She and her husband started FamilyLink, were licensed about five years ago, and have placed over 1040 children in homes in that short amount of time. In June alone, they placed 48 children in safe, kind families!. Sometimes FamilyLink receives calls for up to 25 children a day who have been left alone for days, starved or beaten, in need of safe haven with a loving family.

Many people who consider adoption have misconceptions about the length of time to adopt, as well as the cost.  Mariah says the licensing process can only take a few months (less than the nine months it takes to give birth) and adoption is usually free! FamilyLink finds foster and adoptive parents for babies, children and teens, licenses them, trains them, oversees them, and supports them throughout the child’s life.  Free training classes are offered for those wishing to become foster and adoptive parents and volunteers. Private adoptions, where the birth parents choose adoption, do cost. However, most children that have been rescued or taken from homes because of neglect or other types of abuse are waiting to be adopted for free and they receive insurance, subsidy, and college tuition. Familylink is looking for foster and adoptive parents for siblings that will be separated if a family isn’t found soon, and also older children who are worried that their time is running out and they might spend the rest of their life without a family.

Another misconception is that the children who need homes are often misbehaved and full of trouble, so would-be parents are fearful about taking this kind of child into their home.  Mariah states that “our children are wonderful” and they are just children in need of healing and love, which quickly becomes their lifeline. Some children, of course, are more hurt and withdrawn, and have challenges but Mariah comments, “We see miracles in every child, because once a child knows they are in a forever home and part of a family incredible healing begins to take place.”  FamilyLink also provides every resource available to help parents in the transition process of adding a new child to the home.

There are many other ways to help children, besides adopting or fostering.  Mariah states that mentoring is a great way to connect with and bless children.  Mentors meet with a child, a couple of times a month, and offer extra support to a family who is fostering that child.  This can be as simple as a day at the park or a trip to the zoo.  Volunteering is another way to be involved including fundraising and advocacy!  Also, once a month there are Retreat Days, where families all get together for a play day, support, and training. Volunteers are welcome to attend and love on the children.

Legacy Ranch, a multi-generational Camp and Community, is in the works for Mariah and her organization. Large sibling groups in need of a family are often separated and that causes so much heartbreak! This ranch will keep these children together, so that entire families don’t have to be pulled apart. It will also be a life supporting home to pregnant and parenting teens giving them a great family so they can learn to be great parents themselves.   One unique aspect of this community is that it will also house the elderly, those who perhaps also don’t have families, but who still have so much to give.  The older generation will connect with the younger generation by offering wisdom, gardening, or baking cookies together. It will also be a place for Texas foster families and children for training and retreats! At this current time, fundraising is taking place for this dream to become a reality.  Visit www.familylinkkids.com to donate. Legacy Ranch will be created by builders and contractors who believe in the vision and want to make a difference by donating their services, much like Extreme Home Makeover! Who do you know that would want to join the Legacy Ranch Building or Fundraising Team?

I wanted to hear more from Mariah. Her enthusiasm was contagious, and it was obvious that her heart and soul were completely taken by children in need.  She had stories to tell of children, now in homes, safe and secure.   One such story was of the Clements family.  A couple showed up wanting to adopt, when two little boys ages 4 and 5 became available. They had been displaced from the Katrina Hurricane catastrophe.  Later, this same couple took in the older brother of the two young boys, and even later adopted four siblings waiting for a home!  So now they are a family with seven children, a “forever family.”  At a recent party, the Clements commented, “Tell people it’s not as hard as they think!”  Mariah states that there are many more children like these who need a miracle rescue; a loving healing family who will “impart to them their incredible destiny.”

Through her radio show “Life Matters”  Mariah hopes to inspire people to live out their great destiny, “keep the fire going” for those families already connected with their new children, to “ignite the fire” for those considering fostering or adopting, and for those who have no idea about this wonderful opportunity, to show them “easy ways” to connect.  The saddest thing is to turn children away, so her goal is to bring the Father’s heart into the ears of her listeners each night of the week.

As our interview concluded, I asked Mariah how she keeps from getting discouraged because of the need being so great, and the families being so few.  Her answer was this: “I stay solution focused – not problem focused. Anywhere I’m asked to go, I’ll go. We believe these kids are worth it. Everything we’ve got.”  I also asked Mariah what she liked to do in her “spare” time if she ever gets any.  Her answer was indicative of her whole life’s purpose.  “I like to spend time with my kids having fun, at the lake or retreats, along with our extended FamilyLink family. It’s amazing to see our children laugh and play; see them bonded with their FamilyLink family. It is such a privilege to see them grow and to be part of the miracle. Their foster and adoptive parents are awesome and I truly appreciate and value them…and they are a lot of fun to spend time with too!”  This is the message Mariah and FamilyLink is sending to everyone who will hear, “Include a hurting child in your life. Partner with FamilyLink in some way because the children are so worth it!”

Kids are waiting to be in a home feeling secure and wanted.  Being home with a forever family is a dream for these children.  Will you say yes? Yes you are worth my time, energy, resources!

For more information on FamilyLink Kids, or for opportunities to volunteer, mentor, or give, visit www.familylinkkids.com and to be inspired to make a difference listen to Life Matters with Mariah 7:30-8:30pm CST on KLGO and around Austin 98.5/99.3 FM!

Marcy Lytle
Bell County Family
Austin Faith and Family

Parents! We appreciate you so much!

     FamilyLink Retreat Photos from Summer 2011

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1. A Heart For Children. . . .