National Adoption Month
Interview with Pennsylvania’s Ms. Lancaster
As we approach November, National Adoption Awareness Month, it’s a powerful reminder of the vital role foster and adoptive parents play in transforming the lives of children. Many children in the foster care system have experienced deep trauma, and with the support of dedicated foster parents, they can begin to heal and thrive. The impact foster and adoptive parents make is immeasurable—providing stability, love, and a safe environment for these children to grow and succeed. The Bair Foundation is committed to making these connections, ensuring children find the families they deserve.
One such story of triumph comes from the creator of the page Trauma to Triumphant, and Ms. Lancaster 2024, Keondra Diez. In a recent interview, Diez shared her deeply personal journey of healing from trauma and how it inspired her mission to empower others.
The Inspiration Behind Trauma to Triumphant
When asked what inspired her to start the page, Diez said, “My healing journey is really what sparked the creation of Trauma to Triumphant. As I began to find freedom, I realized others were suffering in silence, unaware of the impact trauma had on their lives… My experience became a mission to empower people to break free, find peace, and overcome their struggles.”
Diez found creating a space for connection has been impactful in many ways. One noteworthy outcome was being able to form a big sister relationship with a girl in similar circumstances to Diez. Providing her with guidance and encouragement she’d otherwise be without. One of many interactions she’s had through her Trauma to Triumphant page. Diez has built a supportive community. A community where individuals share experiences, connect, and heal together. From personal stories to uplifting resources, her platform offers a safe space for people navigating trauma and adoption.
The Practices Behind the Healing: Tools for Advocacy
Healing often comes with finding the right tools. Her journey incorporates practices such as Scripture reading, surrounding herself with uplifting content, and removing toxic relationships. These steps have transformed her life and empower her to advocate for others, “These changes have empowered me to help others. I even created an affirmation book that focuses on God’s truths about me. Now, sharing positivity and resources with others has become my passion.”
Breaking Misconceptions: Understanding Adoptee Experiences
Diez also shed light on the complexities of adoption. “One major misconception is that adoption is a universally positive experience… Adoption is multifaceted, and each journey is different.” She added, the truth is, while adoption can be life-saving for some, every adoptee has a unique story. Education is the easiest way to understand the complex reality of adoption. By listening to their unique story, being receptive to the truths, and recognizing that adoptees’ experiences are diverse.
Advice for Struggling Adoptees
Diez’s advice to struggling adoptees is clear: “You are uniquely valuable and loved, just as you are. God has a specific plan and purpose for your life… When you find your identity in Christ, you’ll discover a sense of belonging and purpose that can never be shaken.”
Her powerful testimony shows that with the right support, individuals who have faced trauma can heal and thrive, just like the children in foster care who are waiting for a family to believe in them.
Become a Foster Parent with The Bair Foundation
Children in foster care need more than just temporary homes; they need someone who believes in their potential and offers hope. 369,000 children were in the foster care system as of September 2022. 109,000 were waiting for adoption. The number of children in care is growing, as is the need for licensed therapeutic foster parents.
By becoming a foster parent with The Bair Foundation, you can be that person for a child. You can help them on their path from trauma to triumph. Visit The Bair Foundation’s website today to learn more about how you can change a child’s life forever.
Children who enter the foster care system are far less likely to graduate from high school or attend college.
Working with us, you can provide the stability, permanency and direction foster children are desperately yearning for.
Become a Foster parent