“I felt in my heart that I needed to do something in remembrance of my friend, my protector.” – Sammy Laney

Fostering Care

“When I was in the third grade I met Deborah. And from the moment of our meeting we became best friends,” Sammy explained, as we talked.

Deborah was adopted when in the 3rd grade, but Sammy didn’t know that and she didn’t care. Of course, when Deb came to school, no one knew else knew either. Nor did any of her fellow students know of Deb’s difficult and horrific journey, just to make it to 3rd grade. All Sammy knew was that she had a new best, forever, friend. Someone who would always be there for her. Someone who stood up for her. Someone who protected her. Sammy would later say that it was Deborah’s defining “championship” that created an instant and lasting bond between the two girls. And, even after Deborah’s tragic suicide that bond has endured.

“I felt in my heart that I needed to do something in remembrance of my friend, my protector,” Sammy said, as she talked about Deborah.

More than ten years later Sammy fondly remembers Deborah as a remarkable and beloved individual who fearlessly stood up against bullying, because she, Deborah, herself was bullied and tortured as a child. That’s why Sammy feels as if it is a great honor and privilege to serve the foster care community in Deborah's cherished memory. And, for Sammy, the Deb Project is always personal, focused on community-based individuals like foster mom, Aubrey Emerson.

For four years, Aubrey Emerson has spent most of her time surrounded by kids, specifically foster kids. Social workers file in, one after the other. And, sometimes it seems to her as if the kids are placed in her home with barely any notice.

“It gets hard to breathe. Some days it can be physically and emotionally draining,” Aubrey says. 

However, knowing she’s making a difference in a child's life makes her feel as if her efforts are worth it. 

“Government-based aid programs like ‘Women, Infants & Children’ (WIC) only help so much,” Aubrey explains. 

Although they provide baby food, they don’t provide for kids with special medical needs or diapers for foster kids and parents who need them. That’s why Aubrey is so grateful for the DEB Project.  

“It’s important, understanding that there’s a resource out there like the DEB Project,” Aubrey said. “They come alongside you to help; you’re not doing it alone.”

A few months ago, Sammy was there when a baby needing Enfamil came into Aubrey’s care, because it wasn’t covered under WIC. Aubrey didn’t know what to do. So, she turned to Sammy and the DEB Project. Sammy was not only able to provide baby food, but also gave her diapers in her time of need. 

“It’s basically just an open-door policy in our home right now,” Aubrey said, as she described the constant introduction of children to her care. And, Sammy is always there for us. 

Sammy truly fosters care. 

Are you fostering care?