Blog
A Heartfelt Journey: Transforming Lives with Love and Dedication
Every month, A Second Chance, Inc. highlights the voices of our kinship families. As an organization dedicated to creating a secure and nurturing environment for children in the care of relatives or close family friends, commonly referred to as kinship care, we understand the significance of acknowledging the real-life experiences of caregivers, birth parents, and children. Our goal is to spotlight invaluable insights that contribute to genuine narratives and shape meaningful programs. Through these conversations, we aim to promote understanding and establish a supportive community for kinship families. This month, we were privileged to engage in conversation with kinship caregiver, Janeen Dickerson, about her journey.
Janeen Dickerson always had a special place in her heart for others. Her compassionate nature was evident even when she was a child, talking to stray animals and making friends with everyone she met. But it wasn’t until her career with A Second Chance, Inc. that she realized how her innate kindness could be channeled into something even more impactful.
When Janeen was asked to become a kinship caregiver for her third cousins, Breyleon and Cortez, she immediately agreed, despite it being the third time CYF had contacted her. She had seen the boys briefly before, and she knew that they had faced a lot of upheaval. The first time, they had gone back to their dad. The second time, they went back to their mom. But this time, the situation was different, and Janeen was ready to step in.
Janeen recalled, “CYF asked me if I would take the boys, and I said I would. This was actually the third time that they had asked me to get them. These boys have changed my life. In turn, I hope that I can do the same. I didn’t expect to fall in love with them, but I did. I’m so ready for this new adventure with them.”
The transition wasn’t easy. The boys had been through a lot, and Janeen was determined to provide them with a stable and loving environment.
She initially tried to keep a bit of distance, not wanting to get too attached in case things didn’t work out. However, Breyleon and Cortez, with their sweet and loving nature, made that impossible. Janeen found herself quickly falling for them, her heart expanding in ways she hadn’t expected.
The boys are the sweetest, loving, they’re just everything. When they first came, they told me they were only going to be here for 30 days. So, you know, I tried to keep a little distance. I didn’t want to get attached, but like I said, they’re very easy to love.
Janeen Dickerson
The most rewarding part of Janeen’s journey has been witnessing the transformation in the boys. When they first arrived, Cortez was struggling in school, barely managing to scrape by with Ds. But with Janeen’s support and love, things began to change.
By the end of the school year, Breyleon had achieved high honor roll status, and Cortez had gone from straight Ds to earning high honor roll twice and making the honor roll in between. Janeen’s pride in their accomplishments was immense.
“Seeing Cortez go from straight Ds to high honor roll was just incredible. He was so proud of himself, and I was proud of him,” Janeen recalled. “That was a real accomplishment.”
Support came in many forms, though not always from the traditional avenues. While the boys had been involved with family-based therapy organizations, Janeen found her greatest support in her own family and friends. Her daughters and relatives were a constant source of encouragement, and their support was invaluable in navigating the challenges of caregiving.
Even though they went through two family-based therapy organizations, the real support I had was from my girls and my family.
Janeen Dickerson
Maintaining a positive outlook was natural for Janeen. Her personality is one of resilience and optimism. She knew that every day would bring its own set of challenges, but her love for the boys and her belief in their potential kept her going. Janeen’s approach to caregiving is rooted in flexibility and openness. She understands that things rarely go as planned, and that accepting change with grace is key to finding joy in the journey.
“When you have an open mind and a lot of love, it makes a big difference,” Janeen explained. “Everything is not how you think it’s going to be. You can’t just think it’s going to be this way and that’s the way it’s going to be. If you do, you’ll get frustrated. Just have an open mind and just go with it. Just flow with it.”
Janeen Dickerson’s story is a shining example of the power of love and the difference one person can make. Her journey as a kinship caregiver has not only transformed the lives of Breyleon and Cortez but also highlighted the profound impact of a nurturing, open heart.