Sofie Fisher: Inside Refugee Foster Care - Collecting Stories from Resource Parents

Over the past few weeks, I have been immersed in a storytelling project for the Refugee Foster Care Program at Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County. This initiative highlights the experiences of resource parents – individuals who open their homes to refugee foster children – by capturing their challenges, triumphs, and profound moments of connection. Through a series of in-depth interviews, I am crafting a narrative that reflects the collective voices of these parents, weaving their shared struggles with cultural differences, trauma, and trust-building into a single, compelling story. At the heart of this project is the resilience of resource parents and the support systems that sustain them. Their stories reveal how fostering not only transforms the lives of the children they welcome but also profoundly reshapes their own perspectives and family dynamics. With the creative freedom to lead this project, I aim to craft a piece that informs, inspires, and amplifies the voices of those making a difference.

This project has strengthened key skills that are highly relevant to business management. Conducting interviews, synthesizing diverse perspectives, and crafting a compelling narrative requires strong communication, active listening, and critical thinking – skills that are essential in leadership, marketing, and organizational strategy. Understanding the experiences of resource parents has also reinforced the importance of empathy and relationship management, both of which are crucial in fostering trust and collaboration within any professional setting.

Additionally, the process of translating complex, emotional experiences into an engaging and accessible story mirrors the way businesses must communicate their mission, values, and impact to different stakeholders. Whether in corporate storytelling, brand messaging, or client relations, the ability to convey meaningful narratives is a powerful tool for influence and engagement. This project has been a reminder that effective storytelling is not just a tool for advocacy but also a fundamental skill in business, helping to connect people, drive engagement, and inspire action.

 

The heart of this project lies in the conversations I’ve had with resource parents. I’ve listened to their journeys – why they chose to foster, the obstacles they’ve faced, and the moments of profound connection with their foster children. While my story follows a single parent, it is a composite of many voices, representing common struggles such as navigating cultural differences, dealing with trauma, and facilitating trust.

One of the most striking aspects of these interviews has been the resilience of these parents and the unwavering support systems they rely on. Many have shared how fostering has not only changed the lives of the children they take in but has also profoundly shaped their perspectives and family dynamics.

Being given the creative freedom to lead this project has been both an honor and a challenge. My goal is to ensure that this narrative resonates with a broad audience, shedding light on the realities of refugee foster care and encouraging greater awareness and support for these families. Through storytelling, I hope to create a resource that informs, inspires, and amplifies the voices of those making a difference in the lives of refugee children.

As I continue shaping this piece, I am reminded of the power of storytelling. This project has deepened my appreciation for the complexities of foster care and reinforced the importance of advocacy through narrative. I look forward to sharing this story and hope it serves as a meaningful contribution to the ongoing conversation around refugee foster care.

1171559