Gladney Blog

As a birth parent caseworker in Houston, I am used to meeting with my expectant mothers face to face in their homes or in a public place where we can plan their adoptions.  However, COVID-19 came to town and abruptly halted our way of meeting. How do I provide the services and the attention that my clients need at this time of crisis in the community (and the world!)?

As you may know, the Gladney Home is housing teenage girls currently in foster care. Like most, we are now on an extended spring break and practicing social distancing. This can be challenging, not only with little kids at home, but older kids as well. To avoid the lure of constant Netflix, iPhones, and screen time, here are some things that we have been doing to break up the day and keep everyone entertained.

Jackie’s file was initially prepared in August 2017. Jackie is an observant child. After adjustment in her environment, she was more active, completed tasks quickly and her work was the top in her class.

I don’t know about you but last week was full of meltdowns for my toddler. He feels confused that his routine is off, he isn’t going to school, and let’s be real, he is probably confused why I’m cooking food instead of going to a restaurant. Our first day of working from home was a bit of a free for all because we don’t even have structure yet as we adapt to the new normal of mom and dad both working from home with both boys.

What a whirlwind of a week! Last Friday seems like a lifetime ago—so much has changed, and the amount of uncertainty and uneasiness is amplified times a thousand.  On Monday, Gladney made the decision to close its campus to outside visitors for the immediate future due to the COVID-19 virus.  Outside events on our campus were cancelled or postponed, and only essential personnel or vendors are currently allowed on campus to ensure the safety of our community.  If able, employees are to work from home.  Our CEO, Mark Melson, shared a video encouraging us that although things will look very different for the time being, business as usual will try to continue as much as possible.

It seems we have been bombarded with unsettling news for weeks.  And depending on your personality, social distancing could be your worst nightmare or your dream come true (under different circumstances).  For me, it's a little of both.  I have enjoyed some special blessings during this time.  For example, my daughter who is a college student several hundred miles away has been home.  Our whole family has enjoyed being together and playing domino games late into the night.  We have had dance parties and cooking contests and we have had some quiet moments too, like cuddling and watching movies.  There has been some blessings in all this chaos.

Meet 5 year old Arnold! He is a fun-loving, social little guy with a sweet giggle we heard a lot while spending time with him in November. He was good at figuring out our toys which were new to him, and even helped to clean up without being asked!

Rex’s file was initially prepared when he was around 15 months old.  At the time, he was sitting up for short periods of time and was learning to crawl.  An update from November 2019, shows progress in his development as he is pulling up to hold onto a ride along toy and another showing him sitting and playing the piano. 

MATCHED!!

We were able to spend time with 5 year old Avril again during our Superkids trip to Taiwan in November. We have met sweet Avril a couple of times now, and we always enjoy getting to spend time with her. She is active and fun, and has a good sense of humor! Avril is very verbal and fun to talk with. When we asked if she would count for us, she said “I can’t count now, I’ll get too distracted!” I think playing takes priority over counting any day!

Avril loves to play pretend and made sure to cook us up a big feast. At one point she was bored of our conversation, so she went and climbed into a baby bouncer seat and looked at us

How cute is Harry?!  Two and a half year old Harry likes to smile and has a contagious laugh!  Watch his video and you will be laughing too!  Harry likes to play with cars and he can use his feet during play to hold and move objects.