At KVC Health Systems, a family of nonprofits serving children and families, we always start with connection. Healing begins when we have positive relationships in our lives — people who see us, look out for us, and want the best for us. And at KVC, we get to be part of inspiring, life-changing connection stories every day. Whether that’s a story of a foster care caseworker noticing and meeting a child’s needs, a family reconnecting after difficult times, or a community coming together for a shared cause, life is really all about positive relationships with other people.

While some of us have had a harder road to walk, many of us have inspiring stories of transformation and healing we could share with others. These are personal stories of finding inner strength, overcoming traumatic and difficult experiences, and relying on the people and connections who supported us along the way. If you have such a story, sharing it with others or with a mental health professional can help you feel freer and lighter, encourage others, and can even change the world by sparking hope.

Do you believe every child deserves to be safe and connected to a strong family? Join us to receive a few inspiring stories each month and help end childhood adversity. Subscribe here! 

Storytelling’s power is why, each year, KVC Health Systems holds a Story Contest. We celebrate the inspiring ways children and adults have healed from serious challenges like strained family relationships, mental health needs, addiction, loneliness and hopelessness. Our nationwide team and supporters are grateful to have been a part of these stories.

We received many entries to our 2023 Story Contest. Since then, we’ve been sharing the stories online. These stories came from youth and families we’ve served, foster or adoptive families who support our mission, and KVC team members who provide in-home family therapy and support, mental health treatment, foster care, adoption, inpatient children’s mental health treatment and other life-changing services. The stories highlight the resilience of the people we serve and the compassion and expertise of our team members.

The KVC Story Contest uses a team of judges to select the most emotionally compelling stories. The top winners received Amazon gift cards, several people won swag like tote bags and tumblers, and everyone who submitted a story got custom wallpaper to use on their smartphones.

Now is a great time to check out any of these stories you may have missed! Also, please enter our 2024 Story Contest taking place now through July 31. You can win KVC swag and Amazon gift cards!

TOP WINNERS

Success Story: Sister and Brother Get a Loving Home When Teacher Fosters Then Adopts Them

Submitted by Michelle Ablard

How KVC Helped Teen Get a Second Chance at Life: Music Therapy for Children’s Mental Health

Submitted by Hope Romero

Teen Boy Finds Second Family Through KVC’s First Star Academy

Submitted by Walter “Skipp” Swoope

Creating Lasting Impact: The Urgent Need for Foster Parents in Missouri

Submitted by Lisa Boone, KVC Missouri

Overcoming a Flood Crisis: One Employees Story of Resilience and Support

Submitted by Kelli Adams

ADDITIONAL WINNERS

Some stories will be shared later this year. Follow KVC on social media so you don’t miss them!

• Teenage girl finds true joy and sisterhood when her family opens up their home to foster four girls — Alyssa Freeland, KVC West Virginia
• KVC team throws a baby shower for one of its members and supports her throughout her pregnancy. “KVC is not just another job filled with random people. It is a home, filled with family who care.” — Amanda Martin, KVC West Virginia
• Therapist helps a young girl find self-esteem and a creative outlet as she teaches her to sew — Bethany Nold, KVC Kansas
• Couple says that choosing to become foster parents is the best decision they’ve ever made — Paul Binner, KVC Kansas
• Couple fosters and then adopts great niece and nephew, with KVC’s support the family finds permanency and stability — Rachelle Chacon Ortiz, KVC Kansas
• Young man reflects on his experience of being in foster care and being adopted by his family — Anthony Brown, KVC Kansas
• Mother reunites with son after foster care, through lots of work, utilizing substance resources and finding community— Aby Ramirez, KVC Kansas
• Behavioral Health Technician finds purpose in her career with KVC and her supportive team — Emma Plank, Camber Children’s Mental Health
• Former client receives treatment with KVC and finds healing and safety — Molly Wallace, KVC Kansas

Submit Your Story & Win!

Do you have a story that shows how you made a positive difference in someone’s life through KVC, or how KVC made a positive difference in yours? By submitting your story during our upcoming Story Contest (now through July 31), you’ll win an instant prize of custom wallpaper and be entered to win one of several Amazon gift cards. Entering takes as little as 5 minutes. Submit your story at www.kvc.org/stories

If you believe every child should be safe and connected to a strong family and a healthy community, join us! Explore KVC careers, learn more about helping a child or teen who has experienced abuse or neglect by becoming a foster or adoptive parent, or consider donating online today.