As we enter the season of gratitude, we can’t help but be thankful for all of the staff who work as Child Specific Recruiters. Their work often happens behind-the-scenes, but it’s is an integral part of how we help place youth in safe, loving homes.
Our team of Child Specific Recruiters are caring and compassionate individuals who spend countless hours getting to know their kiddos and their unique personalities, their life stories, challenges they are facing, and their hopes and dreams for the future.
Two of the most fun days for Child Specific Recruiters are the day they get to join their kiddos to have professional photos taken as well as the day they shoot their Reel Hope videos. The Reel Hope Project is a Minnesota-based organization that helps amplify the stories of youth waiting in foster care by creating and sharing two-minute profile videos. It’s a great way for kids to show off their personalities and for prospective parents to get to know the kids. Diana Mena was kind enough to share a glimpse of what happens behind-the-scenes on one of these fun days!
A Day in the Life of a Child Specific Recruiter as told by Diana Mena
11:30 am: I head out with a co-worker who is shadowing me to pick up Dania for our visit today. I tell my co-worker about Dania’s contagious personality and funny humor. As we enter the door to pick her up, Dania’s eyes light up, and she comes running to my co-worker and me.
12:30 pm: Dania is requesting different music to help show the new worker a little bit about herself. She shares her story as we drive to where she will be taking her pictures done.
1:00 pm: We arrive at the nature preserve where Dania is striking different poses as she shows off her Vans sneakers and one of her favorite sweatshirts. Dania is shy at first by quickly warms up and starts to feel more comfortable as the photoshoot continues.
2:00 pm: We decided to stop by McDonald’s to get something to eat before heading back. Dania talked about what’s been going on in her life over the past few weeks. She shares what it was like visiting her brother who is in another home, and how much she misses him.
3:00 pm: And that’s a wrap! We drop off Dania as she is loudly and enthusiastically telling other CH/LSS staff about her day and sharing what a “great model” she was for the camera!
Making Memories and Looking Toward the Future
Photoshoot and video shoot days are filled with fun and laughter, something we can all use a lot more of these days! They are a chance for kids to talk about what makes them special and unique, to dress up in their favorite outfits, and show off their sense of style. They also symbolize hope for the future. Kids get to talk honestly about what they are hoping to find in their forever families, what they need the most, and who they are as individuals.
Watch Dania’s Reel Hope Video
