It Takes a Village (and Then Some)

You’ve heard the saying, “It takes a village to raise a child.” I’m living proof that it also takes a village to raise a social worker, a nonprofit leader, and a very determined dreamer who still doesn’t like math.

Growing up, I bounced between relatives’ homes, much like the foster youth I now serve. From Haiti to Chicago to Montreal, my childhood was a journey through different homes, kitchens, and caretakers. Each place gave me a different piece of myself. I was raised by many hands, many voices, and many rules.

One of the people who planted a deep seed in me was my aunt in Montreal. She ran group homes and always told me, “Live in your purpose. Go after your dream.” At the time, I didn’t fully understand what she meant, I just wanted to go back to Haiti for the summer. But those words stayed with me. Her homes showed me that love, healing, and second chances could grow in a safe space, and that maybe, one day, I could create the same for others.

Fast forward to today, and I’m leading Genesis Hopeful Haven, a place where foster youth find safety, hope, and love. But let me be honest, I didn’t do this alone. I couldn’t have, even if I tried.

Yesterday, we hosted 94 foster kids for our Thanksgiving celebration, and it reminded me once again what a true village looks like. Corporate sponsors, church partners, and individual donors came together to serve food, organize games, clean up, and even just sit with the kids to listen and laugh. We even had my partner in crime, all the way from Brazil, who created our PowerPoint presentation! It was a beautiful reminder that when hearts unite for a purpose, miracles happen. Seeing the smiles, the joy, and the sense of belonging on our kids’ faces filled me with gratitude. I love my village deeply.

Every person connected to Genesis plays a part in this story. The coaches who encourage our youth to believe in themselves. The staff who help them graduate, apply for jobs, and move into their first apartments. The donors who give because they see potential in every young person we serve. The mentors and volunteers who show up with consistency and compassion. The community partners and foundations who believe in our vision. And of course, the foster youth who trust us with their dreams, fears, and futures.

That’s what keeps Genesis alive. That’s the heartbeat of this work.

I often think back to the neighborhood I grew up in, where everyone looked out for each other. Neighbors yelled from the porch if you got out of line, and if your mom wasn’t home, someone else made sure you were fed and cared for. We’ve lost some of that sense of community in today’s world, but at Genesis, we’re bringing it back.

Healing doesn’t happen alone. Growth doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens in community, in connection, and in love.

So no, I can’t take all the credit and I wouldn’t want to. Because this story isn’t just mine. It’s ours.

Give Miami Day starts November 15th – November 20th. Join the movement and be part of our village that’s changing lives and creating new beginnings for foster youth. 

Join me ➤ https://www.givemiamiday.org/story/fritzie

With love,
ZeeZee (as my village calls me)
aka Fritzie 💛