What Brought Her to Child Welfare
Angela Blanton grew up in a neighborhood where the struggles of families and children were visible every day. These early experiences left a lasting impression, instilling in her a sense of responsibility to create change. Watching how a lack of resources and support could impact a child’s future shaped her decision to pursue social work. She wanted to be part of the solution, helping to bridge gaps for families in crisis and ensuring that children in difficult situations could still have opportunities to succeed.
Her academic and professional journey reflects her dedication to this goal. Angela focused her education on understanding the complexities of family dynamics and the systems designed to help them. After earning her degree, she began working directly with families, learning not only about policy and procedures but also about the human side of child welfare. The emotions, struggles and victories that aren’t captured in reports.
Angela’s approach is rooted in a deep belief in the inherent worth of every child and the idea that the right support can alter life’s trajectory. This belief, paired with her strong sense of empathy, set the foundation for her career. Through her work, she remains committed to standing beside families during their most challenging moments, offering a steady hand and a listening ear. These early choices have defined a lifetime of service that continues to make an impact in her community.
Defining Moment in Her Career
Angela’s career took a transformative turn when she chose to become a foster parent, stepping into a role that gave her firsthand insight into the foster care system. This decision allowed her to understand the emotional layers of fostering, including the challenges of balancing empathy with boundaries and navigating complex relationships. Experiencing the system from the perspective of a parent opened her eyes to the gaps in support that many families face and the need for stronger collaboration between foster parents and caseworkers.
Angela found herself advocating more fervently for reunification when safe and appropriate, recognizing the profound importance of keeping families together whenever possible. This perspective also deepened her compassion for birth families, helping her address the fears and frustrations they often feel. Her ability to empathize with all sides, foster parents, birth parents, and children, reshaped the way she approached her work.
Becoming a foster parent also taught Angela the significance of community support in easing the demands of fostering. She began working tirelessly to educate others about the realities of fostering and how to make the process less isolating for parents. These experiences have informed her leadership, strengthening her ability to advocate for reforms that better address the needs of children and families in the system. Through fostering, Angela gained an unfiltered understanding of the impact of her work.
Unforgettable Moments
Angela recalled crossing paths with a mother who had endured a difficult journey to reunite with her children after they were temporarily placed in care due to a domestic violence situation. With access to support and her own determination, the mother managed to leave the abusive environment, seek higher education and regain custody of her children. Years later, Angela encountered her unexpectedly and was moved by the woman’s gratitude for the guidance and encouragement she had received during such a pivotal time in her life. The mother shared how those efforts had empowered her to rebuild her family’s future. Now, her children are thriving—one excelling in college and the others are making strides in high school.
Going Above and Beyond
Angela’s commitment to fostering goes beyond her professional responsibilities, extending into her personal life and community activities. She actively collaborates with local organizations to support foster families, often dedicating her free time to initiatives that directly benefit children in care. Angela and her family contribute to programs like CarePortal, which connects community resources with families in need and 111, which focuses on engaging churches to support foster care efforts. Her hands-on involvement includes organizing donation drives, assisting with logistics for events, and providing mentorship to new foster parents.
Angela’s dedication is mirrored by her family, who share her passion for making a difference. Her adult children have joined her in volunteering at events and supporting outreach efforts, emphasizing the importance of family unity in the work they do. This collective effort has strengthened their ties to the community and inspired others to get involved. Angela often shares practical advice and encouragement with those considering fostering, breaking down misconceptions and offering realistic insights into the process.
She also prioritizes building relationships within her network to create a sense of solidarity among foster families. Whether it’s through advocating for better resources or simply being a source of support, Angela fosters connections that make challenging situations more manageable for others. Her proactive approach demonstrates her belief that fostering is not a solitary journey but one that thrives through collaboration and community engagement.
Staying Motivated
Angela finds inspiration in the resilience and potential of the children and families she works with. Moments of progress, no matter how small, remind her of why she entered the field. Whether it’s a child making strides in school or a parent taking steps toward creating a stable home, these achievements fuel her commitment. She sees her role as more than a job, it’s an opportunity to be part of meaningful change in the lives of others.
Her focus on mental health and emotional support, particularly in the wake of personal loss, reinforces her dedication to addressing the deeper needs of children and families. Witnessing the difference that proper resources and understanding can make keeps her moving forward, even when the work feels overwhelming. Angela channels her experiences into advocacy, ensuring others have access to the care and support they deserve. It’s the ongoing possibility of positive change that keeps her engaged and determined to push through the challenges.
Angela is particularly focused on bridging gaps in resources and support, understanding how critical these elements are for families navigating difficult circumstances. By organizing community-based initiatives and partnering with local organizations, she helps expand access to essential tools that enable families to rebuild and grow. Her work encourages a collective effort that empowers individuals and strengthens community bonds.
Angela’s approach is rooted in empathy and action, motivating others to join her mission. Whether through her direct involvement with families or her efforts to promote systemic improvements, Angela’s impact is felt across the community as she works to ensure that every child and family can succeed.
We are so blessed to have a front row seat to watch her transform the lives of the families that we serve!
