By Taiwo AKINLAMI
On a quiet Wednesday at the Franklin County Children Services office, January 17th, 2024, “Make a Difference Night” illuminated the room. More than a gathering, it was a beacon, aimed at casting light on the most vulnerable among us: children teetering on the edge of home, on the brink of entering the foster care system.
The night’s mission was twofold: to awaken awareness of these fragile lives, and to spark a fire within the hearts of attendees, igniting a passion for mentorship. Through the stories shared, a tapestry of hope and possibility began to weave itself.
![](https://thenewamericansmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/IMG_0308.jpeg)
Ms. Eboni, the Director of the volunteer program, spoke with grace and conviction, outlining the critical role mentors play in these children’s lives. Program coordinators from College Bound, Crisis, Simba, and Malaika – culturally-tailored havens for young black boys and girls – painted vivid pictures of the impact their programs had. A foster parent, her voice seasoned with both love and loss, shared the success story of a child entrusted to her care, her words a testament to the transformative power of mentorship.
Among those captivated by the evening was Mr. Waugh Oleatha, Simba’s Program Manager. His quiet, yet powerful presence served as a gentle nudge, an invitation to embrace the profound privilege of guiding our precious children through the uncertainties of life.
As the night drew to a close, it wasn’t just information that had been exchanged, but embers of hope. In the darkness, “Make a Difference Night” had kindled a flame, calling forth a new generation of protectors, ready to walk alongside the most vulnerable, one precious step at a time.
Support the New Americans magazine to continue to serve our community with precise news that affect the new American, immigrant and refugee community. https://paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=8LHFS78NRNJJY&source=url
![](https://thenewamericansmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Park-National-Bsnk-digital-advert.gif)
![](https://thenewamericansmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/f602c620-50e7-4c10-b5a2-2ce1f929b281-663x1024.jpeg)
![](https://thenewamericansmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/NALA-Logo-1024x499.png)
![](https://thenewamericansmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/IMG_0304.jpeg)
![](https://thenewamericansmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/eaf43175-d8f4-4cce-b46d-619da7f5cad8-1024x791.jpeg)
![](https://thenewamericansmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Coming-to-America.jpg)
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.