Agape Villages

Tag: social worker

  • Dave Roach – Staff Spotlight

    Dave Roach – Staff Spotlight

    Have you met Dave Roach? He has been a superstar at Agape for the last 20 years and is our Social Worker Supervisor. He has worked hard over the years helping families and children find their forever home, biological or adoptive. He is incredibly supportive to all the families he works with and always ready and willing to jump in and answer questions or help.

    He is father to two sons, Nate and Dillon, and loves walking, hiking and spending time with his family. You might run into him at estate sales, consignment stores, Home Depot or Lowes, as he loves home improvement projects. When he takes that well-deserved break, he’ll sit on the deck enjoying his park-like view in his backyard.

    Thank you Dave for all you do!!

  • Helping A Little Girl Who Is Hurting

    Helping A Little Girl Who Is Hurting

    Grace, a 6 year old girl, has had a difficult life so far. Prior to coming to Agape Villages, she was in foster care and subsequently reunified with her mother early last year.

    Unfortunately, her mother continued struggling with a substance abuse problem and was unable to follow the safety plan required for caring for Grace. Her father was out of the home and was a registered sex offender.

    Grace was then placed in foster care with Agape Villages with one of our single parent resource families. At first, Grace was very quiet, cried a lot (especially to see her mother), and would eat very little. Agape Social Worker, Courtney McAlister, was able to arrange counseling ser- vices for Grace to help with her adjustments. We are pleased to report that after several months, Grace is doing much better. She is happy, loves her foster mother whom she calls “Grandma,” and is gaining weight.

    We continue to work with the referring County Department of Social Services as efforts are made to work out a permanency plan for Grace.

  • A Tale of Two Boys—Family Secured

    A Tale of Two Boys—Family Secured

    An all-too-typical story. 2 teen brothers. Biological mom on drugs. Biological dad in prison. The boys moved between family members, city to city. Not going to school. Finally CPS was called.

    The boys were in several foster homes and then came to one of Agape’s wonderful foster homes. It took a little while, but the boys are doing well in school. They are involved in sports. They have part-time jobs. They are typical kids. Their foster mom is now their legal guardian.

    The boys have found their family. Agape foster mom says, “Agape Social Worker Courtney McAlister has been an excellent social worker. So supportive. The children’s attorney has been very good also. Courtney made the difference. I am very pleased with Agape.”

  • Offering 2nd Chances & Never Giving Up!

    Offering 2nd Chances & Never Giving Up!

    From disappointment, discouragement, obstinacy and failure, to perseverance, change and the hope that comes with a second chance. For “David” (name was changed), it was a
    two year journey. Here is part of his story.

    David came to Agape Villages when he was 11 years of age as a result of enduring a long history of mistreatment from his family of origin. What finally triggered his entrance into the foster care system was his father getting caught locking him in a closet for an extended period of time.

    For David, he wasn’t totally “blame free.” He reacted to his parents treatment with anger and belligerence. His behavior and attitudes continued on display at his foster homes. Yes, he had more than one placement. In fact, he failed his way through four different foster homes until he was placed in a therapeutic group home program. He was a challenging young man to serve.

    The last foster home really tried, but finally surrendered to his resistance to work on things in his life. However, they never gave up hope and maintained a relationship with David while he was in the therapeutic group setting.

    After completing the program 2 years later, he was placed back with this Agape foster family. He told Agape Outreach Social Worker, Dave Roach, that one thing he learned was people like his foster parents are what unconditional love is all about.

    David is now 17 years of age and in the 12th grade. He has been described by his foster parents as having gone through a complete turnaround. He is respectful now, funny, and enjoys his family. He says “I have a loving family I can call my own.”

    David’s happiness is evident by the facial expressions of love and contentment he has in addition to his cooperative behavior. He enjoys sports and everything related to physical activity. He is now on the honor roll at school and his teachers say that he is a role model for other children to follow. Yes, hope can be found in giving second chances and never giving up! We appreciate all those who help us serve youth like David!