Kwame Miller is a single father who became a foster parent with Cayuga Centers in the summer of 2018. Kwame has always stated that he wants to be a source of stability for youth in need. He is a man of his word. He was connected with his first placement in November 2018 and has been fostering the same youth since. It has not always been easy, but his strong faith and determination coupled with the support of Cayuga Centers, is making a tremendous impact on this teen’s life. 

Since the pandemic began, Kwame has remained calm and positive. He does his best to reassure his foster son that this will pass. Kwame, like most parents, is doing his best to provide the best upbringing and support while combating typical teenage angst. Because of Kwame’s calm composure, jolly demeanor, and warmth during a time of uncertainty, the team at Cayuga Centers Delaware, have nominated him as a Foster Parent hero!

Kwame shared how he and his son are adapting to the current coronavirus restrictions and changes to everyday life.  

“Normally I would be doing what I need to, but now I need to be more cautious. Going outside and seeing people in masks, it’s kind of scary. My foster son has also been adjusting. I can tell he is a little frustrated being homebound, especially now that he’s being closely monitored with school activities. I try to be more lenient and have more conversations with him and overall talk more with him.  Recently, we started learning Spanish together and since he is interested in HVAC, I’ve been having him design a two-bedroom HVAC unit. This is the way I keep him engaged – learning new skills.

As a foster parent, especially during these unprecedented times, support for one another is most important. Making sure that every foster family at Cayuga Centers continues to receive support and resources,  Kwame and his support team have managed to maintain a sense of normalcy. 

“The Cayuga Centers team has been great! They are concerned about all of our needs. I get calls twice a day from them making sure that we are okay. Whatever we need, they’re there. Fortunately, we do not need anything right now.”

With no real sense of returning to what we once considered normal anytime soon, Kwame wants all foster parents to be patient and have compassion. 

“This is the time when patience is our number one comfort tool. These kids are used to being outside doing what they want to, and now you’re both confined to one permanent place. Find different activities. Tell stories. Complete a puzzle. Share what you like and ask them to also share with you.”