Giving Foster Kids a Voice
When Tyler* first came into care in Bobby and Kylie Mikels home, he entered kicking and screaming. Within minutes of being in their home, he punched Kylie in the face.
The Mikels learned very quickly that Tyler didn’t know how to talk. At almost three years old, he couldn’t say basic words and was not able to identify basic objects. Tyler couldn’t even say his name.
He would yell, grunt, spit, and kick those close to him to get what he needed. He had no other way to express his thoughts or emotions except with violent outbursts. Being aggressive was the only way Tyler knew how to communicate.
“At first, my husband and I wondered what have we gotten ourselves into?” said Kylie. “I mean, it was an adjustment . . . it was really rough. On the one hand, I just felt so bad for him because it’s not his fault, and he was just so upset. On the other hand, the human side of me is like, man, I can get punched only so many times.”
Your support provided the Mikels with ABCH social workers that walked alongside them during the hard times. They also helped to get Tyler into speech therapy.
Over the past year, Tyler has worked very hard in speech therapy. The Mikels also helped him at home to develop his language, communication, and healthy behavior skills.
“Getting him involved with professionals and just listening to what they had to say and implementing that helped a ton,” said Kylie. “Also, the biggest thing that we had to learn with him was just consistency. . . and staying on a schedule. [We had to communicate] things that were acceptable and not acceptable responses and help him work through that.”
In June of this year, Tyler graduated from speech therapy! Now, Tyler very rarely has violent outbursts because he can communicate when something upsets him and talk about how he is feeling. He knows and can spell his own name. At four years old, he now knows the alphabet and shapes. He can read and write, as well as sign the entire alphabet. He can have full conversations.
“People that know him now would've never thought [he was once an aggressive kid] because he's so sweet,” said Kylie. “It’s crazy to see how far he’s come because he’s a whole different kid. He has the sweetest heart. He is sweet, helpful to others, and kindhearted. He remembers everybody's names.”
The Mikels are in the process of adopting Tyler and his younger sister. They anticipate Tyler and his sister officially becoming part of the Mikel family later this fall!
“It's just amazing to see how God works and what He can do through brokenness,” said Kylie. “You see how God takes broken things and puts them back together in different ways. There's just nothing like it, even during the hardships [of fostering]. Even when it seems scary.”
“Even when it seems like it's difficult, it’s worth it just seeing those kids' faces as they grow, progress, and come to know the Lord. It’s worth it just to make their lives more successful or help meet whatever their needs are.”
God is using your generosity to help children like Tyler who are falling behind developmentally. You not only gave him a voice, you provided him with a safe, loving home where he is encountering the love of Christ. Thank you for your continued support of hurting children across Alabama.
*Name and photo have been changed to protect identity.