Blog
Processing Grief as a Foster Child
Grief is a life experience that just about everyone will grapple with at some point. We all experience grief differently. There are five identified stages of grief that a person experiences during a time of loss or tragedy. These stages are denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. For children in foster care, the stages of grief can alter their trajectory of a successful reunification or outcome due to various responses.
SFH Case Manager Talks About Benefits of Virtual Employment
With my virtual position, I can develop my own schedule. As long as I have Internet access, my cellphone, and my laptop, I’m all set. I can honestly tell you that remote employment is a strong component for making my life easier. Technology has helped to do more in less time, with less money, and with half the effort.
Maintaining Biological Connections for Foster Youth
By Shay Stinson Sometimes creating connections and maintaining bonds with people in your biological family can be difficult, but it can be especially difficult for children in foster care. In addition to the traumas that led them to be in the child welfare system,...
A New Year’s Q&A with the CEO
This year isn’t just a new year, it’s the start of a new decade. This makes 33 years that Seraaj Family Homes, Inc. (SFH) has been in operation; The company has survived three decades in an everchanging and challenging business sphere. So, the communications team asked Abdul Seraaj, the CEO of SFH, to share his reflections on this past decade and his plans and goals for the future, as it pertains to the business, the whole foster care system, and himself.
Money Management for Foster Youth Aging Forward
By Shay Stinson Edited By Intisar Seraaj Let’s do a quick quiz. How well has your young adult prepared for bills and responsibilities? How much money do they have saved? *blank stare I don’t save, so I haven’t modeled that behavior. We don’t discuss finances;...
Free Yourself Through Forgiveness
Forgiveness is hard work! But it’s necessary for healing and happiness. We’re human; We’re prone to make mistakes and bound to get hurt and to hurt others. It’s OK. You’ve heard the phrase “life goes on,” but here’s how we can be happy and healed while life continues.
Suicide Awareness During the Holiday Season
During the holiday season, feelings of depression can be masked because there is more family around and more activity than usual, distracting you from your underlying sadness.
Foster Kids May Seem Ungrateful But They Are Thankful
Sometimes foster youth don’t ever say “thank you” until after they’ve grown up and aged forward from foster care. It may not be that they are ungrateful but are unable to show gratitude in the way that’s common for someone their age. You must keep in mind everything your child’s been through and remain patient with them.
Navigating the Holidays as an Interfaith Blended Family
One thing about having a blended family—whether that’s through adoption or fostering—is that you’ll have to find a balance for almost everything. But it’s more difficult creating a balanced and inclusive holiday season for blended families. So, here are some tips for creating an inclusive holiday experience everyone in your blended family can be happy with.
Transitioning From Desks To Devices: Exploring Virtual/Remote Work
The traditional office environment has changed as rapidly as technology has changed. The brick-and-mortar office environment has evolved into having an employee’s complete office needs in the palm of their hands (i.e. cellphones, laptops, etc.). Seraaj Family Homes, Inc.’s (SFH) Mobile, Alabama region has established itself as a model for remote and virtual working. Read the interview between SFH licensing social worker Ellen Brewer and Shay Stinson, SFH junior content creator, to learn the effects and benefits of working remotely.