C.A.R.E Help Line 213-269-0000
C.A.R.E Help Line 213-269-0000
-Nikki Cotton, Foster Parent
Fostering UNITY is excited to showcase our “Hoops for Hope" Collaboration Series!
Thanks to an incredibly generous donor, and our spectacular LA Clippers representative, we've embarked on a journey to create unforgettable moments for youth in care and their devoted caregivers by giving them the chance to attend LA Clippers home games.
Read their stories below to see how much this series has impacted them!
If you are a foster parent and have a youth experiencing foster care who would value attending a game, please email alexa@fosteringunity.org
On the enchanting evening of February 12, 2024, the LA Clippers clashed with the Minnesota Timberwolves, weaving an enchanting tale for Blanca and her vivacious 4-year-old foster daughter, M.
M., a spirited 4-year-old, recently dipped her tiny toes into the world of basketball, discovering a newfound love for the sport. Her compassionate foster mom, Blanca, has supported her endlessly in finding new interests and ways of expressing herself.
As a foster parent, Blanca finds immeasurable value in supporting Fostering UNITY and the foster care community. Her mission is clear—to extend a helping hand to kiddos in need, creating a supportive network for those who may have faced adversity.
Blanca’s life is a canvas painted with the vibrant colors of fostering love and encouragement. Her selfless dedication shines through, emphasizing her role as a guiding force for M. and countless other children in her care.
In the aftermath of the game, filled with the electrifying energy of the Clippers fandom, Blanca expressed her heartfelt gratitude, "Thank you for this incredible opportunity to create lasting memories for M. It means the world!"
Their story joins the symphony of shared experiences, resilience, and the indomitable spirit echoing within the caring community, a testament to the magic sparked by the Hoops for Hope Collaboration Series.
On a magical night of February 7, 2024, the LA Clippers clashed with the New Orleans Pelicans, conjuring an extraordinary adventure for foster parent C.R. and her spirited 13-year-old foster son, T.
C.R., a seasoned foster mother boasting over two decades in Social Services, emerges as a steadfast pillar in the foster care universe. Her plunge into foster parenting a year ago was propelled by an unwavering sense of purpose, and her dedication to crafting a life brimming with positivity and enrichment for T. radiates like a beacon.
T., a resilient soul who navigated the challenges of a tumultuous journey through 12 different foster homes, carries the weight of significant trauma and adversity. C.R.'s mission as his foster mother is a mission of love and stability, where she strives to offer him a nurturing haven while exposing him to new experiences and positive role models. A fervent sports enthusiast, T. found more than just a game in attending a live basketball showdown—it became a portal to revel in the sport he adores and be inspired by the infectious positivity of the community surrounding him.
C.R., the heart and soul of this dynamic duo, passionately emphasized the value of supporting Fostering UNITY and the foster care community. In her words, "I find it valuable because they open doors for underprivileged children, providing opportunities to attend events that they might not get otherwise."
In a genuinely heartfelt follow-up, C.R. expressed her deep gratitude, saying, "Thank you so much for this golden opportunity to create enduring memories for T. It means the world!" Their enchanting tale is etched into the annals of shared experiences, resilience, and the incredible transformative power pulsating within a caring community—a resonant echo of the spirit fueling the Hoops for Hope Collaboration Series.
On the thrilling night of January 21, 2024, the LA Clippers faced off against the Brooklyn Nets, weaving an extraordinary tale for foster parent G. W and his 7-year-old foster son, A. The final score of 125 Clippers and 114 Nets echoed not just a victory on the court, but a triumph in the hearts of this resilient foster family.
G. W, a retired Superintendent from the Department of Water & Power, has been a steadfast pillar in the foster care community for the past 13 years. His commitment to fostering, particularly to his current foster son, A., reflects a dedication beyond the ordinary. A., a vibrant 7-year-old, had a tumultuous past marked by parental abduction, leading to a life devoid of schooling, medical care, or dental attention. The Hoops for Hope Collaboration Series provided an opportunity to bring joy and inspiration into A.'s life.
A.’s foster parents wanted him to be selected for this special experience because, despite his challenging past, A. has found solace and passion in basketball. He now plays on a recreational team and harbors a deep love for the sport. Attending a live professional game became a beacon of motivation for A. to continue honing his skills and pursuing his newfound love.
G. W emphasized the importance of supporting Fostering UNITY and the foster care community, stating, "The foster care community is so important to children in care. We come alongside them to support, encourage, assist, and strive to give them a future to look forward to. Fostering Unity helps us show our kids in care how valued they are." His words resonate with the collaborative spirit that underlines the Hoops for Hope initiative.
In a heartwarming follow-up, G. W expressed his gratitude, "Thank you so much for this opportunity to help create these memories for A., means a lot!" Their story stands as a testament to shared experiences, resilience, and the transformative power of a caring community, echoing the spirit of the Hoops for Hope Collaboration Series.
In an electrifying game on January 8, 2024, the LA Clippers faced the Phoenix Suns, creating an unforgettable experience for foster and adoptive parent Gabe and 4-year-old A. The final score echoed victory, but the real triumph unfolded in the heartwarming story of this foster family.
Gabe, a devoted foster and adoptive parent, stands as a pillar of support for the foster care community, emphasizing the strength derived from mutual support within this vast family. When asked about the value of supporting Fostering UNITY and the foster care community, Gabe expressed, "The more this big family supports each other, the stronger our community becomes." It's a sentiment that resonates with the collaborative spirit of organizations like Fostering UNITY.
A., a lively 4-year-old girl, had never experienced the thrill of a live basketball game despite her love for the sport. Gabe shared some delightful insights into A.'s world, highlighting her passion for basketball, evident in her little basketball setup at home. Attending a live game became an opportunity to turn this passion into a memorable experience.
A.'s story is one of anticipation and excitement. Gabe chose her for this special opportunity because "she loves basketball and would benefit in the long term if she has this experience of watching a game in person." The Hoops for Hope Collaboration Series became a bridge to transform this dream into reality for A., creating a lasting memory in her journey.
On that eventful night, surrounded by the energy of the crowd, Gabe and A. witnessed the Clippers take on the Suns, not just as spectators but as participants in the shared joy of community and unity.
In a heartfelt follow-up text, Gabe expressed, "Thank you so much for this opportunity to help create these memories for A., means a lot!" These words encapsulate the gratitude and significance of the experience, highlighting the lasting impact of the Hoops for Hope Collaboration Series on foster families like Gabe and A.
Their story becomes a beacon of shared experiences, resilience, and the transformative power of a caring community.
Amidst the cheers and camaraderie during the LA Clippers vs. Grizzlies on December 29, 2023, a heartwarming tale unfolded, shining a spotlight on the beautiful journey of Blanca and A.
Blanca, a devoted foster parent, has embraced the incredible responsibility of nurturing not one but two 4-year-old twins, bringing warmth and stability to their lives. Her passion for supporting the foster care community stems from a simple yet profound belief – the desire to help children in need.
Blanca shares insights into her world, expressing her love for fostering and her dedication to community support. She's not just a foster parent; she's a pillar of strength and compassion for these twins, creating a home filled with love and care.
Blanca's commitment extends beyond the everyday responsibilities of fostering. She actively engages with and supports her community, embodying the collaborative spirit of organizations like Fostering UNITY. Her dedication is not just a job; it's a heartfelt calling to make a positive impact on the lives of children.
As Blanca and the twins embark on this fostering journey together, their story becomes a testament to the transformative power of unity and community support.
The Hoops for Hope Collaboration Series illuminated not only a basketball game but also a celebration of love, resilience, and the unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of children like A.
In the grand tapestry of fostering, Blanca's story with A. stands as a shining thread – a symbol of hope, compassion, and the boundless capacity for love within our community.
In our latest tale of community spirit, meet a shining star and fervent supporter of Fostering UNITY, our Winter Wonderland angel! This community supporter, whose generosity knows no bounds, consistently stands by Fostering UNITY in every venture, uplifting the foster community with warmth and love.
When asked about the value of supporting Fostering UNITY and the foster care community, she shared, "I believe in the work they provide and the importance of taking care of our children." Her commitment echoes the core mission of Hoops for Hope – to create a positive impact on the lives of foster youth and families.
Now, let's shed some light on the wonderful individual receiving the tickets. A basketball enthusiast at heart, her son is a walking basketball encyclopedia! With a passion for the game, he's memorized statistics for all players and diligently researches their stories.
Fostering UNITY believes in the full circle of support and community involvement. When our community steps up to support our youth in foster care and their families, we do our part to then show our appreciation in ways that we can. Being able to provide a memorable experience for this supporter and her son just like we do for our foster families is all apart of our unified work.
Get ready to meet the star of our latest success story – B.M., a remarkable 15-year-old with a heart as big as the basketball court!
Joining the ranks of Hoops for Hope, B.M. recently celebrated his birthday on the 6th, and what better way to continue the festivities than with a Clippers game and the pride of CLIPPERS NATION!
R. B., a foster parent on the path to adoption, saw this as a golden opportunity to create lasting memories for her incredible son. In R.B.'s words, "He's an awesome child, and I'm going to adopt him. The Clippers are our favorite team, so this would be amazing for him!"
When asked about the significance of supporting Fostering UNITY, R. B. shared, "If you can change just one kiddo's life, then you're doing something right. Kiddos need structure, love, communication, and patience." It's this dedication to making a difference that makes R. B. a shining example in our community.
Beyond the basketball court, R .B. is a chef by profession but basketball has always been her first love, and now she shares that with her kiddo.
In a dazzling showdown on November 25th, 2023, the LA Clippers faced off against the Dallas Mavericks, sealing the victory with a resounding 107-88. However, the real triumph was written in the heartwarming story of J., a 5-year-old boy currently experiencing foster care but in the process of being adopted!
Lori embraced the pivotal role of a kinship caregiver with unwavering dedication, driven by her deep love for J., her grandson. Her heartfelt desire was to create a home filled with love, family, and stability for him.
Reflecting on J.'s challenging start in life, Lori shared, "My grandson was found in a drug house and went into foster care at 1.5 years old. He bounced around from house to house before finding a stable place with me, where he finally discovered happiness."
Kinship caregivers, exemplified by the resilience and compassion of individuals like Lori, willingly take on unexpected challenges. They navigate uncharted waters with courage and strength, ensuring that their loved ones, like J., don't have to endure placements outside of their biological families when there's an alternative rooted in familial care and love. Lori chose this role and to support organizations like Fostering UNITY because "No child should ever have to experience foster care."
Lori and J.'s bond is nothing short of magical. She paints a picture of their daily adventures: "He's an amazing child with a big heart. He even won the Empathy award at school. We love to go to the park, hiking, looking for bugs & snakes, and playing cars together. We are everything to each other."
J.'s journey, which began with uncertainty and challenges, has now found a stable and loving home with Lori. The sparkle in his eyes and the joy in his heart are testaments to the stability and happiness he now experiences.
Attending a Clippers game became more than just a sporting event; it was an opportunity for J. to bask in the joy of childhood. Illuminated by the Hoops for Hope Collaboration Series, J. and Lori's story stands as a beacon of love, resilience, and the transformative power of unity.
In the magical realm of Hoops for Hope, the spotlight now shines on the resilient S., a 14-year-old girl navigating the challenging path of foster care. Her devoted foster parent, Nikkina Cotton, had a heartfelt request to create a special and memorable bonding experience for the young soul under her care.
Nikki, a dedicated foster parent with a heart as vast as her love, shared their story: "The young individual I am responsible for has recently endured a traumatic experience. Building a strong and supportive connection with them is of utmost importance during this crucial period in their life."
The Clippers game on November 17, 2023, against the Rockets became the backdrop for healing and joy. The Clippers triumphed 106-100, but the real victory was the transformative experience for S. and Nikki.
Nikki explained why she finds it valuable to support Fostering UNITY and the foster care community: "Fostering UNITY helped me during the pandemic with laptops for my kids. I met Ms. Dorothy, and I knew her heart was genuine. The work that they put into helping foster parents is amazing; everyone on the team cares!"
As for the individuals in this heartwarming partnership, Nikki described her foster daughter as "smart, beautiful, and resilient." Despite the challenges, S. is attending school, and she aspires to be a psychologist to help others who have faced similar struggles.
Nikki, following the path guided by faith, loves being a resource parent and supporting families. Her fun escape? Bingo! A game that takes her mind away from the complexities of life. In her community, Nikki not only attends church but actively works with the youth, making a positive impact.
After the game, when Alexa checked in to ensure they had a great time, Nikki's response echoed the impact of Hoops for Hope: "We had a moment to spend quality time together and not worry about anything else. She opened up to me about not being able to do these things before. She was excited and actually wants to go again! You guys have been my rock in this fostering journey. Thank you so much."
October 31, 2023 marked a spooktacular night for Hoops for Hope as the LA Clippers faced off against the Orlando Magic! Our spotlight this time shines on J., a spirited 16-year-old experiencing foster care for whom this game was more than just basketball—it was a first-of-its-kind experience!
When asked about J.'s story, the answer echoed the simplicity of a dream yet to be fulfilled: "He is a person that wanted to play sports and has never been to a pro game." In the eyes of R.W., the House Manager at the San Gabriel Children's Center, supporting Fostering UNITY and the foster care community is about granting these youths an opportunity they might never have had. "It helps Foster Care Clients do something that they would never be able to do," says R.W., who has dedicated over 25 years to making a positive impact.
J.'s dream came true at the Halloween game, where the Clippers emerged victorious with a score of 118-102 against the Orlando Magic. Often, our older youth in foster care face circumstances that can be hard to imagine, and Fostering UNITY is committed to ensuring they experience life to the fullest, just like their peers.
R.W., with a passion for bringing smiles to the faces of youth, shared a bit about themselves and the young man: "The young man enjoys sports and wants to go to college and play." Accompanied by a supportive staff member from the San Gabriel Children's Center, J. spent Halloween living every teenager's dream—watching the Clippers play in a thrilling game.
A heartfelt shoutout to the staff at San Gabriel Children's Center for entering J.'s name and ensuring he not only got to the game but also had someone to share the excitement with.
Guess who's back in the spotlight? It's Juanita, the heart and soul of our community, spreading joy like confetti! This time, she embarked on a magical journey with D., J.'s younger foster brother, to witness the exhilarating clash between the LA Clippers and the Portland Trailblazers! D., at the tender age of 7, has conquered mountains in his short life. His love for basketball echoes through every hoop he shoots around the house, and now, thanks to the Hoops for Hope Collaboration Series, he's about to experience the game he adores in all its glory. This isn't just a game; it's a blessing, a step towards healing, and an invitation to a life filled with happiness and peace.
Behind the scenes, when Alexa and Eric (our incredible representative) envisioned this partnership, they didn't know where it would lead. Through the generosity of an amazing donor, season tickets became rays of sunshine for youth in foster care, foster families, and community members who go out of their way to support Fostering UNITY. The goal was simple - to share the thrill of basketball with those who deserve it most.
As Alexa heard Juanita's story and the tales of her boys, tears flowed, and hearts swelled. The LA Clippers partnership and the donor's dreams were coming true for the ones who truly deserved it. It's these moments of happiness and joy that make the hard work worthwhile.
As Alexa puts it, “It’s the motivation that makes the obstacles within the foster care system worth fighting for because these are the people we are fighting for. We are fighting for foster parents like Juanita and foster youth like D. And J. They deserve someone in their corner. They deserve a community of advocates.”
Meet Juanita, a woman of unwavering faith and a true force for good in our community. Having worn many hats, from caring for mentally challenged adults to pursuing her passion in film, Juanita embodies the spirit of giving back. She's the incredible foster parent to an 8-year-old warrior named J., who has faced life's challenges with resilience and hope. J.'s simple wish for a good life touched our hearts, and we wasted no time in making his dream a reality.
Thanks to a generous donor who gave their tickets to Fostering UNITY, we were able to get Juanita and J. to the Clippers vs. Nuggets game on October 17, creating a magical night filled with joy, laughter, and the thrill of live basketball!
Juanita's dedication to merging her love for film and community service is a testament to the power of individuals making a difference. Her story is a beacon of inspiration, reminding us that each act of kindness can create ripples of positivity.
When asked why she finds it valuable to support Fostering UNITY and the foster care community, Juanita's answer echoes the sentiments of compassion and love. "There are so many children that need love and support out there. If I can help support, love, and help in any area for these children, I'm all in. The foster community is very important, and we need to shed more light on our children."
This collaboration goes beyond the basketball court; it's about fostering hope, building connections, and showing these resilient children that their dreams matter.
Together, with partners like the LA Clippers and extraordinary donors like our anonymous dream-maker, we are creating a brighter, more inclusive future.
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