Topic : 07/26 The Dr. Phil Foundation Helping Kids

 I am a single mother of three children. Two of my children live at home with me and I am a home schooling mother. I do not feel that any child in Lawrence County Kentucky is getting the quality of education to be able to build a foundation to be our future. When I look at each child, I feel that they are capable of doing so much more than they are offered. Homeschoolers are looked down on and we are not offered any assistance through the school system besides what is mandatory by law and within our Constitutional rights. Rather than “fight: a loosing/ignored battle, I am looking to find resources that enable a home schooling family to be looked at for the welfare of the children. The leadership in our county is not from our county and I feel the needs of our county are being overlooked. I feel that each child should be offered whatever it takes to get the proper education to master the skills that will carry them through the rest of their lives. In January, another home schooling mom with 4 children now in school and I started a home schooling support group. Several families came out to join us. We have a small group, but we aren’t even 1% of the families’ home schooling in this county. The area we live in is a very poor area and there are programs open to the public schools, but have restrictions when it comes to the home schooler.  Parents often have to live on the system like myself and “get by” to assist in directing these children in a positive environment. Children should be treasured and looked at as future role models and leaders. Children can do anything if they are given a chance and supported. I admire those foster families and those who take the time to care. Our nation needs some more focus on TOMORROWS LEADERS. Remember, these children could be taking care of you one day….Are You Involved?  

Thank You Dr. Phil, Robin and staff and to all of those who reach out!  

I too Dr. Phil, love these kinds of shows.  I find it so refreshing to watch happy endings.  You are doing a wonderful job for our kids.  I say OUR kids because if they have the breath of life in them THEY ARE A PART OF ALL OF US.     

Please pray for Russell Small and his family everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

There is so much power in prayer..................................AMEN............ 

Jannie 

This message is for Zakiya and anyone else in a similar position.   

I am 21 as well. Although I did not end up going through the foster care system I did live pretty much on the brink of it due to a mother who abused perscription drugs, an absent father, emotional and physical abuse etc.  

Like Zakiya it was either become the mess I hated and get in with the wrong crowd or to learn from the mistakes my parents were making as adults and vow to do well in school and work actively at obtaining my independence.   

The independence came a littler earlier than expected when the abuse from my mother became unbearable and I essentially ran away. Through the help of a social worker I knew and some family members who had a grasp on what I was dealing with I was able to obtain student welfare (similar to independent living) and completed my final year of high school on my own. Zakiya and anyone else who have been through that know it's liberating to live on your own but at the same time it can hurt so much because it came about in a unfortunate way.   

The first year on my own was ROUGH! I managed to do quite well in school and make many new friends however suffered from a great deal of depression as I was seperated from my sibling and the instability of my family who had helped me and those I havd eft was emotional exhausting.   

The following year however I began University and the busyness kept my mind off it all, which was fantastic. I graduate this year with my BA am and hoping to attend teacher's college and complete my masters in the years to come.   

Zakiya you are not alone! It's a struggle imagining ourselves on our own considering the instability we have lived through but be STRONG! You are just remind yourself as much as possible. Congrats on the job you obtained at the camp. Getting to know more people and developing a network through work and school have been the best things to provide a bit more stability in my life as it has made me independent.   

There is a lot of hurt and stuggle but just keep trucking!!! You should do an update show with Dr. Phil in a bit. I would be elated to hear your feeling a bit better everything and of all your successes in the mean time!  

Good luck, be strong and remember you're not alone! Props on maintaing such a good average in school all the while! Knowledge is power!  

Joy  

With tears in my eyes I watched the show about the Dr. Phil Foundation.  God bless Dr. Phil, his family, and all the sponsors for the wonderful work they do for foster kids.  The beautiful lady with the 50 foster kids is amazing and what a great role model for her children, her community and the nation.  Zakiya, you have my love and respect for the amazing things you have done with your life.  Communities need strong woman as mentors and examples and you areone of them. 

Thank you for the wonderful story.  It restores faith that there are so many good, caring people in this country that go, day to day, doing awesome things unnoticed and unrecognized.  Thank you for bringing this public. 

Dr. Phil, I love your books and your show!!  Your great knowledge and grounded approach is so "right on".  You help more people that just the ones on your show.  Great work!!  

Doctor Phil. Doctor Foundation Helping Kids Phil The. Is a very good thing and anyone can donate-
to Doctor Foundation Phil at anytime. Anyone can go to Http://WWW.DrPhilFoundation.Org and can 

donate any amount as they can see. See you tomorrow Afternoon. Well I had better close now.------ 

Siuncerley Your. Russell

My husband and I have been foster parents for 7 years and I understand everything you are saying.  We have adopted two boys and are in the process of adopting a boy and a girl that are all from the same birth family.  In between all of this we have had about 20 other placements come and go.  I have seen kids bounced from home to home and treated as if they are not important.  But when they are with us, we do our best to be their advocate and their voice for everything.  Hang in there and stick with them for the (foster)kids sake.  God Bless!

ACW   

God bless you!

Hope you get through it okay.