In the age of bureaucracy and the almighty dollar, few foster agencies would hold that "if a child does not conform to our agency, our agency conforms to the child's needs." But, in fact, not only does the Happy Faces Foster Agency (HFFA) claim this motto as its own, it exemplifies it in the care of every child who comes through its doors. Much of the credit for the agencys holistic approach to helping abused, neglected, and medically fragile children must go to Dr. Julie Reedy.
A psychologist and caring parent of two children of her own, Dr. Reedy co-founded the agency with her husband, using her retirement savings as seed money. She envisioned the project as a nonprofit and began an often arduous second career because, as she perceived, so many children at risk fit neither the government's criteria for foster care nor the preferred profile of profit-seeking foster agencies. Only one year in operation, HFFA has already helped place more than 160 children in need of homes. Throughout the fostering process, Dr. Reedy has ensured that an on-staff social worker monitors all aspects of the child's growth and progress.
The agency specializes in finding homes for medically fragile children. Due to HFFA's sterling reputation in this area, county social workers often consider Dr. Reedy's organization first when placing children with special needs in foster homes.
Dr. Reedy could have chosen to retire after a long and fruitful career as a psychologist. Instead, she responded to a need in her community, helping neglected and abused children whom neither government nor standard for-profit foster agencies would serve. Every year, thousands of children slip through California's foster care system with no stable home to claim them. The Happy Faces Foster Agency has stepped into the breach and provided a vital service uniquely imbued with care and compassion.
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