Before being reunited with his grandmother, Noelvin, who was found in a cardboard box on a porch, spent some time with a foster family. The idea of fostering children in Western New York is now gaining momentum.
"They're out there, and they need to be loved. I'm here to give it to them," said Ronald Newton, a foster dad.
He's wanted to become a foster parent for more 20 years. And now, there's more people just like him. Hundreds of people have commented on Noelvin's story with some even saying they would take him in or adopt him.
"There are so many kids who have experienced trauma just like this little boy who need loving and caring homes," said Sarah Welker.
That's why Welker took to Facebook to share that very message. She works with the foundation Gateway Longview. She said there's more than 1000 foster children in Erie County alone who need loving homes.
"These stories just don't end up on the news," said Welker, "People just need to be aware that there are many kids that need help."
"They need us. They definitely need us," said Newton.
Bridget Richardson is the director of Sarah Minnie Badger Foster services. She said children of all ages need foster homes.
"We see more of the need with older children in care," said Richardson, "It's really a labor of love."
And Newton said it's just that. The most important thing you have to give is love.
"You have to be there for them to coax them through all of the bad and try to turn that negative into positive. That's what I'm here to do. Turn that negative into a positive, and show them that there is someone there for them and show them that there is someone there that wants to love them and be there for them," said Newton.
If you're interested in becoming a foster parent or helping out, check out the numerous foster/adoption agencies in Erie County.
