Benjamin's Story

Benjamin nearly let his struggles destroy him. He came to one of our Agency Operated Boarding Homes because there was nowhere else for him to go. His mother abandoned him along with his seven siblings when he was 12. The large size of his family made it difficult to keep the children together and they were separated into three foster homes. Foster families quickly adopted the younger children whose short memories had not been scarred by abuse. For Benjamin and his older siblings, distrust and fear of abandonment made bonding with a new family nearly impossible. Benjamin's oldest brother's behavior was so out of control that he was eventually sent to a specialized group home. His sister developed severe psychiatric and drug abuse problems and became pregnant in her teens. Benjamin was unable to adapt to his new home and acted out against his foster parents, eventually sabotaging two potential adoptions. When there were no other options, he was sent to one of New York Foundling's AOBHs and became a delinquent ringleader, bullying younger children and encouraging bad behavior. But Benjamin wants a family desperately, and his desire to belong has forced him to evaluate his life and make some serious changes. He no longer wants to be a victim. With the encouragement of his social worker, he focuses on high school and works toward goals of a college education. Benjamin was in danger of becoming a statistic but he is determined to beat the odds and New York Foundling is determined to support him every step of the way.

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