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Home for the Holidays: The Greatest Gift Is a Loving Home
As the year comes to a close, we’re reminded that the true heart of the holiday season isn’t found in decorations or gifts—it’s found in the feeling of being home. For children and youth in foster care, the promise of stability, safety, and love is the most meaningful gift of all.
This year, we’re proud to share that our amazing team finalized 39 adoptions
last fiscal year—each representing a child finding a safe, supportive, and permanent home. Another highlight from last fiscal year is that 37 new resource families were approved. Every adoptive and foster care home is a story of hope made possible by our incredible families, staff, and community partners. As we head into the final month of the year, we’re excited to close 2025 strong and give our children a holiday wrapped in warmth, belonging, and hope.
Give Generously This Holiday Season
This #GivingTuesday, on December 2nd, you can make a difference. Every day we work to make a difference in the lives of children and families who need it most. At All For Kids, every dollar you donate helps create a brighter future for those facing challenges—whether it’s providing educational resources, food, healthcare, or just a helping hand. Last year alone, we helped over 75,000 children and families—and we couldn’t have done it without your support. With your generosity, we’re able to continue this vital work, expanding our reach and impact in even more communities.
Every donation, big or small, has the power to change lives. Donate Today.
Meet Sandra & Jhonatan
Sandra and Jhonatan’s story begins the way the best love stories do — with an instant connection and a shared sense of destiny. After talking on the phone for three hours, a 14-year-old Sandra told her mom, “I don’t know why I’m saying this, but this is the guy I’m going to marry.” She was right. More than 20 years later, they’re still inseparable — high-school sweethearts who have built a life filled with laughter, faith, and deep devotion to one another.
Their own childhoods shaped their hearts for adoption long before they became parents. Jhonatan was raised by his grandparents, and Sandra was adopted at one year old, along with her sister. Both were welcomed into loving homes built not on biology, but on care and unconditional love. They always knew adoption would be part of their story — they just didn’t know when.
When they connected with All For Kids, everything unfolded in what they lovingly call “God’s perfect timing.” After first receiving an emergency placement that helped them understand the unique needs of foster children, they were matched with an 18-month-old little girl who instantly changed their world. Seventeen months later, they finalized her adoption. Just three months after that, they received an unexpected blessing — she had a baby sister. They welcomed her home shortly after and are now preparing to finalize her adoption in 2026.
To Sandra and Jhonatan, parenting is a privilege — one filled with patience, joy, and the chance to see the world through their daughters’ eyes. Their girls, now three years old and two months old, fill their home with curiosity, giggles, and endless light.
Their word for their journey with All For Kids is togetherness — because they never felt alone. Through All For Kids staff, they found a community that guided, supported, and celebrated them every step of the way.
This holiday season, Sandra and Jhonatan are grateful to be spending it as a family of four — wrapped in warmth, faith, and the beautiful reminder that family is built by love.
Meet Foster Care and Adoption Social Worker, Evelyn Ruiz:
At All For Kids, our mission is powered by team members who bring compassion, purpose, and heart to every child and family they serve. This month, we’re proud to spotlight Evelyn Ruiz, whose dedication to supporting children and resource families reflects the very core of our work.
Evelyn began her journey with All For Kids in 2009 as an intake assistant, guided by a deep calling to help children find the safety, stability, and love they deserve. Driven by this passion, she returned to school to pursue the qualifications needed to better serve youth in foster care. Over the years, she has become a trusted advocate—supporting children who need a safe place to call home and ensuring their caregivers feel supported every step of the way.
Throughout her career, Evelyn has built strong, family-like relationships with the resource families she serves. She considers it a privilege to walk alongside them—celebrating their joys, offering guidance through challenges, and witnessing the powerful bonds that grow through fostering. For Evelyn, this work is not just a profession; it is a purpose rooted in connection, compassion, and care.
Outside of work, Evelyn is grounded by the love of her husband and three children, who share her commitment to helping others. Their encouragement fuels her dedication to making a lasting impact on the lives of children and families. We’re grateful for Evelyn’s continued service and the heart she brings to All For Kids every single day.
RaiseAChild is now part of the All For Kids family—working together to support and celebrate diverse families, especially our LGBTQ+ community, on their path to fostering and adoption. Sign up for an upcoming information session to get all the information you might need about fostering!
Upcoming Events:
- December 06 - PRIDE Training, Day 3: 8:00 AM-12:00 PM
- December 13 - Support Group, English: 11:00 AM-12:15 PM
- December 18 - Orientation, English: 4:00 PM-5:00 PM ZOOM
December 18 - Support Group, Spanish: 6:15 PM-7:15 PM
Small Acts of Kindness
A valuable lesson to teach your children as they get older is the importance of giving back. Generosity can range from small acts of kindness to donating time and resources. Anyone of any age can do small acts of kindness. With that said, there are countless options, but here are a few of our favorite ways to give back:
- When you see someone in need, lend a helping hand.
- Hold the door for a stranger.
- Share a smile.
- Give leftover food to someone in need.
- Consider donating used toys and clothing to children in need.
No matter how you choose to help others through a small act of kindness, know that each little bit counts and can brighten someone’s day.
Thinking About Fostering or Adopting?
Let's Get You Started
Whether you’re just curious or ready to take the next step, we’ve made it easy to learn more about becoming a foster or foster-adoptive parent.
Choose What Works Best for You:
Review at Your Own Pace
We offer a self-guided online PowerPoint orientation that you can view whenever it’s convenient for your schedule. Email us today to request the PowerPoint or PDF and we'd be happy to send it along.
Join Us Live for a Zoom Orientation
We also hold monthly live Zoom orientations from 4:00-5:00pm PST. It’s a great way to ask questions and hear directly from our team. Our next session is coming up on December 18, 2025
If you need a Spanish-language version, please give us a call at 800.730.3933 and a bilingual staff member will be happy to assist you.
Once you’ve completed either orientation, you’ll be on your way to becoming a resource parent. It’s a meaningful step, and we’ll be with you every step of the way.
Ready to Apply?
Our application is available online—fill it out and email it to rfrecruitment@allforkids.org. You’ll also get free online training through Foster Parent College. Got questions or need a little guidance? Reach out to beatrizcruz@allforkids.org—we’re happy to help.
Help Keep Siblings Together: Become a Resource Parent
Every day, children enter foster care in need of safe, stable homes—and the need is especially urgent for sibling sets. In Los Angeles County alone, there are over 25,000 children in foster care, with more than 200 waiting to be adopted. Many are part of sibling groups, and unfortunately, All For Kids must turn away at least 10 sibling sets each week simply because there aren’t enough families to keep them together.
At All For Kids, we believe strong families and caring adults create a world where every child is safe to grow. We welcome individuals and families from all backgrounds to consider opening their hearts and homes. We provide training, guidance, and continued support—you won’t be doing it alone.
Have questions or ready to get started? Call us at 800.730.3933 or below to fill out a quick inquiry form.
