Blog

Arrow is overjoyed that the Harvard Kennedy School invited our Texas Foster Care Kinship Leadership Team to participate in their Government Performance Lab.  The national cohort brings together child welfare and foster care agency teams committed to building kin-first systems that prioritize family connections and long-term stability for children. “This collaborative learning environment offers a unique opportunity to engage with ...

As Hispanic Heritage Month shines a light on the importance of culture and tradition, the Gutierrez family shares how their roots guide their journey as foster parents. “We're trying to teach the girls,” Yolanda Gutierrez said. “We are Mexican Americans, and we love our Mexican heritage.” Family is at the heart of Hispanic culture, and for these Arrow foster parents, ...

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore appointed Arrow Child and Family Ministries’ Associate VP of Administration Robert Basler to the Workgroup on Children in Unlicensed Setting and Pediatric Hospital Overstays. Basler will serve as the Residential Treatment Provider Representative. Basler is a dedicated public servant and this appointment is a recognition of that unwavering commitment to service and his devotion to advancing ...

The Arrow Center for Education Riverside unveiled brand-new adaptive playground equipment designed to create an inclusive, welcoming space where students of all abilities can play. This touching milestone fosters social interaction, supports physical and cognitive development and encourages a true sense of belonging for every child. The equipment is thanks to the generous donation from the Women’s Giving Circle of ...

Once again, Harry Potter cast his magic over Riverside. But this time, it wasn’t the boy wizard, it was Harry, the calm and unassuming 4-year-old corn snake. Students were captivated as they held him one by one, careful to keep him safe while admiring his every move. Harry slithered gently from hand to hand, sparking joy, curiosity, and plenty of ...

Shelly Hansen and her husband did not hesitate to say yes to welcoming their grandchildren into their home. Child Protective Services placed the children in their care after their daughter made the difficult decision to relinquish her rights. The Hansens chose to move forward with permanent managing conservatorship and adoption. “We have had the children with us since they were ...

Arrow Child and Family Ministries welcomed around 60 kinship families to the annual Kinship Camp, Camp For All. The outing gives caregivers and children a chance to step away from daily stress and spend a weekend focused on fun and community. “This isn’t just for the kids, this is for the entire family,“ Kinship Caregiver Joe Guzman said. “If you ...

Let’s meet Earlie and Retta Waller!  Their journey as Kinship grandparents began in 2023, when the Wallers took in their grandchildren following the devastating loss of one of the siblings due to physical abuse in their home. With hearts already open, they then opened their home to the five grandkids to ensure they remained together in the midst of this ...

Let’s meet Pauline Sinegal! Arrow staff recently nominated Pauline Sinegal for Kinship Family of the year, staff stating that Sinegal exemplifies the meaning of sacrifice and unconditional love. Sinegal’s journey with kinship begins with a call from Child Protective Services. Child Protective Services reached out to Sinegal after her twin grandchildren were born with drugs in their system. She didn’t ...

Two Crossroads residents had an unforgettable night on August 1 at a sold-out Savannah Bananas game at Camden Yards, thanks to Arrow volunteer and Shifting Gears founder, Diana Liberto. Diana and her family were honored on the field as a recognized foster family, and she invited two youth to join the celebration. They appeared live on ESPN, met the players ...