fostering-hope-louisiana

Team Hope Hype Video

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 18:18:38 GMT

What's all the Hype?

FHL is proud to feature some of the orthodontic partners across the state who help us equip foster youth to embrace their future. This vital, life changing work would not be possible without them. Teamwork: That's what the hype is all about!

FHL's 6th Anniversary - Part 2

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 18:17:57 GMT

FOSTERING HOPE LOUISIANA CELEBRATES SIX YEARS OF IMPROVING MENTAL HEALTH THROUGH SMILES - PART 2

Fostering Hope Louisiana (FHL) ensures that foster youth have access to high quality care through our network of skilled orthodontists. We know from experience that a child's self esteem improves the moment they receive braces, even before an oral transformation has taken place. With that momentum, FHL guides foster youth through their treatment from glowing start to sparkling finish.

FHL's 6th Anniversary - Part 1

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 18:17:27 GMT

Fostering hope louisiana Celebrates six years of improving mental health through smiles - Part 1

For six years, Fostering Hope Louisiana and our partnering orthodontists have been providing foster youth with the smile of their dreams. We are grateful to these community partners who help us equip foster youth to embrace their future. Smile big. Dream big.

Mindful Money Management: Protecting Our Investment - Part 2

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 17:48:54 GMT

Mindful Money Management: Protecting Our Investment - Part 2

With the help of our corporate partner, Chase Bank, foster youth learn about money management from the financial experts. Saving, smart spending, budgeting and financial planning are some of the topics discussed in the mandatory training that foster youth receive prior to the commencement of their orthodontic treatment.

Mindful Money Management: Protecting Our Investment - Part 1

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 17:48:50 GMT

Mindful money management: protecting our investment - Part 1

It's important that foster youth understand how to protect the investment made in them, so not only do they receive oral health training, they are also taught financial basics such as budgeting, financial planning, and how to differentiate a want from a need.

Braces are Essential Health Care - Part 2

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 17:48:41 GMT

braces are essential health care - Part 2

Providing braces for foster youth is a simple yet life changing way to bring normalcy to a young life overwhelmed by chaos and trauma. Support for this vital treatment comes from the community by way of individual donors like you.

Braces Are Essential Health Care - Part 1

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 17:48:36 GMT

braces are essential health care - Part 1

Orthodontic care is essential health care for children in foster care because it can correct jaw issues, relieve pain and boost self esteem which builds confidence and positively impacts their overall well being.

Hope for the Future - Part 2

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 17:48:00 GMT

hope for the future - part 2

With the help of our orthodontic partners statewide, youth in foster care receive transformative care that creates hope for the future.

Hope for the Future - Part 1

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 17:47:49 GMT

This is what we do

Fostering Hope Louisiana is a nonprofit organization that puts orthodontic braces on children in foster care with the goal of improving their self esteem and self confidence.

FHL Partners with Louisiana First to Educate the Community

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 01:41:11 GMT

Fostering Hope Louisiana Partners with Louisiana First News

Fostering Hope Louisiana joins with Louisiana First News to educate the community about the important role that braces play in the mental and physical health of youth in foster care..

2024 - A Year in Review

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 04:57:56 GMT

read about what Fostering Hope Louisiana accomplished in 2024 with your help

When considering how Fostering Hope Louisiana (FHL) serves foster youth in Louisiana, there is a tendency to focus on the smile because it’s “on your face” but make no mistake, our mission seeks first to acknowledge and address the internal trauma that youth experience as a result of abuse and/or neglect and being in foster care. We aspire to connect all FHL clients to trauma informed care but recognize that that service is not possible in all cases and in all regions, therefore, to bolster resiliency we give them a gift that will last them a lifetime and enable them to discover their inner beauty which is reflected through their smile to thereby equip them to embrace their future.

Download the newsletter to read about our impact in 2024.

Epiphany Grace

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 05:21:54 GMT

NOTE - The youth's names have been changed and images withheld for their privacy and protection because they are still in foster care awaiting permanence. Through their stories, though, their identities and personalities are as vivid as their futures are bright.

August 2023

My name is Epiphany Grace. I’m 15 years old and in the 7 ^th grade. In my free time I enjoy listening to worship songs and Zack Bryan. I play volleyball and softball (catcher, third, second and outfield) but it’s just a hobby.

I came into foster care in December of 2022 because I was living with my sister who relapsed and because I missed a lot of school. Also, she was mentally and physically abusive to me. My mother is in Shreveport and my dad is in Kentucky. I do not want to live with them.

If I had to rate my foster care experience, it has been good for me because my foster mom supports me. She was my science teacher, and she shows she cares about me. Actions speak louder than words. Foster care showed me a schedule and that there are other people out there who have been through things and it's not just me. The one bad thing about it is not having social media, but it’s probably a good thing. I needed it to be away from me, but I didn’t want it to be. I’m in therapy, where I get direction when I don’t know how to handle a problem.

If I needed help, one person I could go to is my foster mom because she supports me in all of my ideas. I could also call on my DCFS case manager. I love her. She is the best I could ever have because she goes with the child’s best interest and puts my decision out there.

June 2024

At a moment, I wanted to go back to the way I was living, not because I liked the situation but because I was never used to being stable and I’m not great with change. I’m so happy I stuck through my feelings and let God move in mysterious ways. I’m now adopted and love where I am so, therefore, wait and see what God has planned.

Epiphany Grace’s Comments on her Banding Day

June 17, 2024

Wow! This is just amazing. This feels weird but so relieving. I’m so excited for the future and what God has planned. I’m so grateful for Mrs. Leslie! She is a miracle from God. Without her none of this would be possible. It was a wait, but so worth it. You have done so much for all these kids/people who have been through the worst. I’m so blessed to have this happen to me.

Banding Day Thoughts - A Foster Parent's Perspective

Jenny – Epiphany Grace’s Foster Parent

What a phenomenal program Fostering Hope Louisiana and Mrs. Lacy is. Little did I know that working in an orthodontic office at 18 years old would give me patience. Fast forward 23 years and I have been blessed with a foster child in desperate need of orthodontic care, not just for vanity’s sake, but also a dental need. However, when you say yes to the call, how do you afford it all. The short answer is, you don’t and that’s where Fostering Hope Louisiana has filled the gap and carried our foster child and us through this transition.

The wait [for braces] was long but it allowed others to fall in love with our child. Waiting was hard and seemed to be never ending, then all of a sudden, we were funded and making appointments.

For me, the process has taught me love, patience, and seeing God at work not only in our lives but seeing the generosity of others. For my foster daughter, today is a dream come true. For kids in foster care, basic survival is all they can think of, so braces are a pipe dream. Seeing her shed tears of joy because 1. She finally isn’t receiving empty and broken promises, and 2. the ONE thing that has given her so much insecurity is finally no longer going to stop her from truly smiling and so much radiant brightness.

I can never say enough great things about this program and all it has done, is doing and will continue to do in the future. The best is yet to come! IT IS WORTH THE WAIT!!!

Epiphany Grace - Hindsight

July 2024

Before I got my braces, I was impatient and always second guessed if I was ever going to get them. Mrs. Lacy did, in fact, guarantee that I was going to get them but there was always a thought in my head, “something is going to go wrong, and you won’t get them.” But I had hope. I always texted and checked in with her on how everything was going. When the day came to get them, I was so excited. The first ten days were the worst, but now everything is well. I’m so grateful that I just waited.

Epiphany Grace's Thoughts on Therapy

July 2024

Therapy! At first, I DID NOT want to go at AT ALL. I always said that I didn’t need or want it. I never wanted to go. In the room with my therapist, I always would watch the clock waiting for her to say, “Okay, you made it.” Now that I accepted the fact that I have to go to therapy, it’s been an amazing thing for me. I didn’t have a choice when it came to going to therapy. IT also majorly depends on your therapist. If you don’t like them, you will NOT like therapy. I love mine and now I look forward to it, so just keep giving it a try and see what good benefits it can bring you.

Jocelyn's Story

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 20:05:50 GMT

My name is Jocelyn and I’m 17 years old. My playlist consists of Korn and Metallica. In my free time I like playing Pokémon, watching Anime, reading Manga and listening to music. They are the things I do to practice self-care.

I have crooked teeth. I think that it would help me with my speaking because I have a lisp. I just want straight teeth.

I’m probably going to work at like the mall or something. I’m thinking at Hot Topic. I don’t know if I want to go to school or anything.

I came into care because my mom was mentally ill. She’s schizo-affective bi-polar, some other things like that. My bio dad died when I was like 3.

After high school I'm probably going to work at the mall or something. I don't know if I want to go to school or something.

My foster care experience overall was probably like okay but my first one was bad because they didn’t know anything about mental health and stuff like that. They were just like really hateful. They would compare their experience, or my old foster mom would compare her experiences and childhood trauma with ours. She was overall super childish and inappropriate. I have ADHD, she acted like I didn’t have it. There just wasn’t an effort to be compassionate or educate themselves about mental health.

In my current foster home, they’re patient and the they know about mental health, like taking medication and know about that type of stuff.

Foster care has made my life better because I feel like I opened up better (with my current placement), I am learning how to be an adult – like driving practice.

If there was one thing I would change about foster care it would be mental health awareness. I feel like there can be more done with how the foster homes are chosen, like educating them about autism, disorders, and trauma and stuff like that. I wish my first foster home were more educated and understanding like my current home.

KH's Story

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 20:04:10 GMT

My name is KH. I’m 11 years old and in the 5 ^th grade. On my playlist you will find Zydeco music. I like to play Xbox in my free time. I also like playing basketball and football outside with my brother.

I want to go to high school then college. I want to be a mechanic.

Foster care was kind of horrible and boring cuz you can’t’ go outside on the weekends. If you want to go to your friend’s house, you can’t even go. I wasn’t comfortable where I was. I was used to being with my mother. I used to sit in the room with my brother and draw.

The good thing about foster care is that I spent time with my brother. He tells me not to do that and to do this, but he’s helping me to not get in trouble. It feels good to be with him and back with my mother. If I needed help, the one adult I would call is my grandmother.

January 17, 2024 – Bonding Day!

I wanted braces to close my gap so people would stop judging me. People made fun of me. It doesn’t happen a lot anymore because my mom went to the school. Braces will make my teeth straight and nice. I might have my braces for 24 months. That’s fine. I want my teeth straight, so I’m going to keep them for how long it takes.

I felt comfortable with the wait because I needed to give Ms. Leslie enough time to get my braces. I waited ten months, but the time has been flying by. It felt faster. I knew Ms. Leslie would do it because she promised in Brace Class that you would get us some braces.

The one thing I didn’t like about getting braces is that they had to keep my mouth dry.

Last Thoughts:

It hurst when they tighten them. Your mouth gets sore.

Snow's Story

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 20:01:24 GMT

My name is Snow and I’m 16 years old. In my free time I like to listen to Lemon Demon, Hamilton Soundtrack. I really like musicals, Marina and the Diamonds. Playing games like Pokémon, Watching Anime, Reading Manga and Classic Literature (1984, The Great Gatsby, Animal Farm).

I think that I need braces – not desperately but it would help. My teeth are crooked and don’t align and it kind of bothers me, it’s a little uncomfortable. I think that braces will improve my speech. I have to go to speech therapy and I think that if I got braces it would help fix my speech.

I came into foster care because my mother was physically abusive and yelling at us (sister). One day in Oklahoma she attacked me and then we moved to Louisiana. Almost immediately after getting to Louisiana, we were placed into foster care, maybe 3 days after. My father (bio) is dead. He died whenever I was 2.

My foster care experience has been okay. Well, it was like the fact that well it was good for a while because we weren’t in like a bad situation anymore. The household was cold. When we got home no one would really be there so we would wait around. So when they did come back they really wouldn’t say anything to us. I’m very social and I talk a lot so… My first placement was okay but this one is good. The parents that we’re with now are always willing to talk. If I started a conversation they’re going to listen and say something back or tell me that it’s not the time. You know, they communicate. They’re reasonable. You know if you do something wrong, they’ll give a punishment that’s reasonable and not down talk you.

If I could change one thing about foster care, not from personal experience but from the experiences of others, I wish that there were more ways for children to get without getting disbelieved. Because I’m always hearing stories about how these kids they have scars on them and stuff like that and no is listening to them. I guess I wish that people would believe them more and more and that people would listen.

What I like to do if I am in a like a stressful situation is think I guess – not about the situation- but things that’ll make me happy. Like the music in Hamilton. When I was younger, I would try to think up music videos in my head and it works very well with Hamilton.

DH's Story

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 19:58:33 GMT

My name is DH and I’m 14 years old and in the 8 ^th grade. My playlist includes Cane Brown, Luke Bryan and lots of country music.

In my free time I like to play video games and play sports and be outside. To relax, sometimes I read and sometimes I lay down and take a nap.

After high school I want to be a welder and later on in life I want to go to university to get my degree to be a mechanic.

I was in foster care for 1.5 to 2 years. It helped me learn a lot but it wasn’t really good because I didn’t get to be with my family. I learned how to take care of myself and a lot of things with my anger like I can’t be angry at everything. The counselors and DCFS workers helped me learn that. I was angry because I wanted to be with my family, and they always told me that they were going to separate me from my brother because they thought it wasn’t good for us to be together sometimes when we would fuss and fight. But we learned to control it so we could stay together.

I learned from my mistakes to be a kid and not be an adult. I was so used to being with my brother and trying to take care of him that my foster parent would get mad and tell me to be a kid. It made me feel like it took a lot off my back.

Some things I didn’t like about foster care is that they would not give us privileges even when we were good like going outside during the week when we didn’t have school. They left us alone a lot, too.

I’ve lived in three placements. The first one I loved. They treated us like we were their own kids. We had to leave because they were not certified foster parents. The last one was pretty cool. It had some ups and downs. They were always working and stuff.

If I could change one thing, they should give the kids more attention and help them to know and understand that they are not trying to harm them and they actually want them to be back with their parents.

I came into care because I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. If I needed help, I would ask my grandma. She would try her best to help me. Since I have been reunited with my mom It feels good to be home. I have more freedom and can play more sports. I get to meet my new family members, the cousins that are newborns.

January 17, 2024 – Bonding Day

You finished the Oral Health/Life Skills Training Series in March 2023, how did it feel to wait all this time to finally get your braces?

Waiting for braces wasn’t bad. I have good patience. The time helped me learn how to take care of my braces. I watched tons of videos on how it would feel, the pain, how to relieve the pain and things like that, what kinds of foods to eat and stuff like that.

I don’t believe that you [Ms. Lacy] would go all around the world to help kids and then not do it. Plus you said the business was small so I knew it would take time to get it going. I knew it wasn’t gonna happen in a week.

Last thoughts about braces: I just want to see the after results!

Angelica's Story

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 19:53:45 GMT

ANGELICA's STORY

My name is Angelica and I am 17 years old. I like a little bit of rock music and R &B. Most of the time I listen to murder mystery podcasts. It’s not soothing but it is something interesting to listen to when I do my hair, cook for myself or clean.

Getting my GED. I took a test for reading and passed. Now I have science, math, social studies, writing and ELA. I hope to finish by the end of the school year. After I get my GED, I want to take a year to focus on my interests. When I turn 18.5, I might leave the facility and transfer to independent living. I want to be in extended foster care to help me get on my feet and learn adulting properly since I do not have an adult family member to help me like children who have family. I’m by myself but extended foster care will help me in emergencies and with doctor’s appointments and stuff like that.

My mom died and my dad was killed. I didn’t know him except that he was a liar and a deceiver, and nobody believed me when I told them about him. I came into care in 2021 because I lived in a toxic environment. After I ran away from there and when I refused to return, the police brought me to the group home and I’ve lived here ever since. I’m thinking it was for the best for me because I was not necessarily at home. I was somewhere where I could get kicked out at any moment. Foster care was better than that. I’ve heard bad things about foster care, but everyone’s experience is different, and it’s been good for me. The place I’ve been put, I’m grateful for. God gave me a chance at a better life. I have more opportunities here. I have everything that I need and sometimes they give me things that I want.

If I needed help, I could call Ms. Arielle and Ms. Darinesha [employees at the group home]. I don’t know what that means, if you mean someone to talk to, then maybe my CASA.

I don’t know what I want to do career-wise but I want to work at Wal-Mart so I can make money to do something special for myself. I’m going to save every dime and put it in my saving account so I can go on a camping trip or race car driving. My goal amount to save is $10K. I have over 25% of that.

April 12, 2023 – Banding Day!

I needed braces because I felt that my confidence level would go up. Before I had them, I was frowning a lot and I didn’t want people to talk to me because I felt that if I opened my mouth I would be judged. I had gaps and I felt worthless and insecure without braces. A lot of kids in elementary talked about my clothes so I was already very self-conscience about how I looked. I was sad and depressed about it. Teeth are a really important part of the face.

I know that process is hard but as it has gone on, they closed the gap and I made two friends. People started to notice me because I opened my mouth. I never had money to get them but now I have them and they’re mine. I’m very happy to have braces. I’m not conscious of my mouth and even though my mouth sticks out, it’s okay because people know I’m getting things done about my spaces. It makes me want to have friends.

At first, I took it seriously, but after having braces for a while I started not to take it as seriously. Then I went to the dentist, and he said I had to do better and what’s the point of having straight teeth if my jaw is slanted. So I said to myself, “Why waste this woman’s money?” and now I brush, floss and wear my rubber bands seriously.

Last Thoughts:

I am thankful for the people who decided to donate to help me get the braces. I am thankful for you, Ms. Lacy, because you are the person who made this happen. Without you, who is helping the process? No one. So, I am thankful for you.

Jessica’s Story

Sun, 05 Nov 2023 23:22:25 GMT

I’m in the 9th grade, but when I finish high school I want to go to college then nursing school. In my spare time I like to listen to gospel music, watch tv and read books. My favorite book is The Color Purple.

I was in foster care for 3 years until I turned 18 when I transferred to extended foster care. I know why I entered care but I don’t want to say. It’s been an okay experience but I just like being with my family. I don’t like being around other people. My aunt is the adult I could go to for help if I needed it.

My name is Jessica and I’m 18 years old. I want braces to close my gap. Braces are going to cause me to smile more.

Brittany’s Story

Fri, 03 Nov 2023 18:17:58 GMT

When I was 16, my mother died of a genetic heart condition. My father died from a diabetic emergency that injured him in a highway incident. Following my mother's death, my younger siblings and I resided with an older sibling and his family until the Summer of 2017. For that summer, my sister and I lived alone in his rented home until the new academic year started. I tried to take care of my sister plus continue with my extracurricular activities like interning with the Big Buddy Program to earn money for college. School started back up, and we continued to live in the rented home. Then one day, my brother came to the house and told us that he could no longer care for us. Instantly, we were homeless. From that time on, we stayed with different friends and relatives sleeping on couches and floors. My goal was to continue taking care of my sister, attending school and participating in my activities so I could get an excellent job to take care of my family. Unfortunately, transportation issues caused us to miss school, and I had no way to contact my teachers and classmates (who were probably worried about us) because I couldn't afford my cell phone.

We were sleeping at my nephew's girlfriend's residence at the time when the reality settled in that I was homeless. We called youth shelters, but there was no availability. I was physically overwhelmed and mentally beaten down. One of the most memorable moments of that experience was when the classmate I was living with told others at school that I was homeless. I felt exposed, embarrassed, humiliated. It was then that I spoke to my mentor about my situation; he offered to call DCFS [Department of Children and Family Services] before I had a nervous breakdown.

My foster care experience was bittersweet, 80% was good, and 20% was bad. I established bonds with my foster parent such that she allowed me to stay with her during the summer of transitioning to college. Looking back, more short- and long-term goal planning would've been helpful. And I could have also benefitted from behavioral health care and peer-to-peer support.

Foster care was ok. I was most concerned about being separated from my sister. The first home was nice but had a lot of kids. The second home we lived in was too far from Central High School. The foster parent had strict curfew rules that interfered with my ability to participate in extracurricular activities, which I needed to appeal to colleges. The third placement was closer to school, and the Central Public School District arranged for a bus to pick me up. I was able to go to prom and participate in my clubs and senior activities. By this time, though, I was separated from my sister. Because of her attitude, she was moved to her fourth placement but thankfully, we still communicated.

Now, I am a graduate of Spelman College in Georgia and have received a Master’s in Social Work from Columbia University in New York. As a senior, I believed I would go off to college and have a career in psychiatry and settle nicely somewhere back home. However, I did not expect to accomplish all that I have done. It’s a blessing how I overcame many of the odds. I feel inspired and grateful. God definitely has a precious light within me and salvation of me.

Leslie Lacy works to improve foster youth's self-esteem in one surprising way

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 20:31:59 GMT

“Even while in the orthodontist’s chair and before anything happens, there is anticipation and excitement in the young people’s eyes. They beam as the brackets are placed on their teeth. Finally, when the process is complete, the youth appear to stand taller with a look of concentrated fascination as their tongues scroll across the new appendages.”

Leslie Lacy was the first attorney to represent children in East Baton Rouge Parish since the inception of the Mental Health Advocacy Service/Child Advocacy Program in 2008. In her role as children’s attorney, Lacy represented over 1,000 youths in foster care in East Baton Rouge, Livingston and Iberville parishes, taking her client’s stated desires to the Louisiana Supreme Court, where she was successful for and on behalf of children. In 2020, she founded Fostering Hope Louisiana, a nonprofit organization created to address the oral and mental health needs of children in foster care.

Braces and foster care seem like an interesting combination. How did the idea come about to combine the two? Click here for the full story!

Leslie Lacy Delivers Convocation at The Governor’s Academy

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 20:27:53 GMT

On February 2, 2023, Trustee Leslie (McCant) Lacy ‘91 shared the story of her non-profit, Fostering Hope Louisiana, with the Govs community. Students, faculty, and staff gathered in Bergmann Theater for her Convocation talk, which was a part of the 50 Years of Women at Govs celebration. Fostering Hope Louisiana provides free orthodontic care to children in Louisiana’s foster care system.

After a decade of advocating for children in foster care as an attorney, Lacy discovered her next calling. “I had a young, 16-year-old client, Brittany Butler, who was incredibly bright and struck me as having great potential,” she recalls. “Despite being dealt a rough hand, she never succumbed to frustration or despair.” Sadly, Lacy continues, there was one thing about the young woman that made her cringe—her teeth. “It was heartbreaking because I knew Brittany was being adversely affected by a situation she couldn’t control.”

Lacy enlisted the help of Baton Rouge orthodontist Dr. James Frugé, and after transforming Brittany’s smile, the two knew they were onto something. Realizing she couldn’t continue bankrolling the effort privately, Fostering Hope Louisiana was born. “The way it’s come together has been nothing short of miraculous,” Lacy enthuses. “People in our community have rallied, donating their time, money, and services to help these children. It’s been amazing.”

3 Monroe foster children selected to receive free braces

Fri, 08 Sep 2023 16:01:07 GMT

MONROE, La. (KNOE) - Non-profit organization, Fostering Hope Louisiana, has selected three children from Monroe to receive free braces. They are in need of donors to pay for each child’s procedure.

The cost for each procedure will be $4,950.

The founder and executive director of the organization, Leslie Lacy, said their mission is to improve the mental health of foster children by providing free dental care.

“It’s much easier to invite a young person to an orthodontic treatment than to a counseling session,” said Lacy.

Click here for more - 3 Monroe foster children selected to receive free braces (knoe.com)

Annabeth’s Story

Sat, 19 Nov 2022 23:41:07 GMT

My name is Annabeth. I’m 14 years old and in the 8th grade. In my spare time I like to be alone and listen to NEONI. I taught myself how to draw and shade.

I know why I came into foster care, but I don’t want to talk about it. Chelsey (foster mom) is the adult I could go to for help. I don’t know who else I could call.

THOUGHTS FROM ANNABETH'S FOSTER MOM:

As a foster parent, finding resources to help care for the kids is often very difficult for many reasons like insurance not covering certain things or them getting put on the “back burner” for other kids who have “commercial” insurance. I had been looking for ways everywhere we go to help them get everything they need to succeed in life after a rough start. I saw the ad for this program on a billboard and after exhausting every option, I reached out to Ms. Leslie to see if we qualified.

The classes were super fun for the kids, and I think they enjoyed seeing kids in similar situations. Watching them sitting in the chairs after their journeys to get here, it warms my heart to see them get to be taken care of so well and to get to watch their teeth and insecurities get straightened out to help not only their health but their self-confidence. Myself and the kids are so grateful to this program to have them make these kids feel good about themselves and feel included and treated like other kids [who] are not in care like they are. A parent’s big “AHA” moment is when their kids can feel comfortable and included and I think this program did that and more for my two.

Benjamin’s Story

Fri, 18 Nov 2022 23:44:11 GMT

My name is Benjamin. I am 13 years old and in the 7th grade. I would like braces because I just wish my teeth would look better and I know braces will help that. There’s a chip tooth that I want to get fixed. Once I get braces, I think I’m going to be pretty confident.

When I finish high school, my main job I’m wanting is programming. I’m a big fan of tech and I’m very imaginative. In my free time I just like to think. I like the woods. For some reason I like that more than the city.

I came into foster care because my mom wasn’t in a very good place and we used to live in a van and travelled a lot. I’ve been in care for 2.5 years. I lived in a respite home for a week and I was in a home in Baton Rouge for a year. If I had to rate my foster care experience, I would say that it’s been good. I get to see new places and meet new people. It’s made my life better because it’s an improvement from living in a van and travelling all the time.

The adult I could go to for help, if I could, I would say is my mom. I can’t go to her right now because she’s three states down. I could go to Chelsey [foster mom] because she is very supportive.

Thoughts from Benjamin's Foster Mom

Toni’s Story

Fri, 18 Nov 2022 23:33:14 GMT

I’m Toni and I’m 18 years old. When I am not in school for my GED or working, I like making stacked jeans, reading and singing. On my playlist you will find songs like Lonr’s Make the Most, Lost Cause by Billie Eilish, Freedom by Beyoncé and Bow’s Like You.

When I finish school, I’d like to go to college at LSU, Clark Atlanta, FSU, Spelman or Georgia State for psychology or nursing. I want to go to Atlanta because that’s where my friends are and I grew up in Atlanta for 10 years. It’s not like I have too much support here. I’d rather have a start fresh. I do have a friend and her family is supportive, but I feel embarrassed.

If I needed help, I would call Leslie Lacy or my case manager. I don’t really talk to my family. I have been the black sheep because my mom died of HIV when I was six years old. She was blind and could not take care of me, so I was raised by my grandmother, but at two years old I went to Atlanta to live with my godmother until I was 12 years old. I had to leave there for reasons I don’t want to talk about.

I used to be violent, but I grew up in a way cuz when I was young, I was always frustrated and angry and felt misunderstood. I was angry because no one cared like I needed them to care. People took care of me and bought me things, but they weren’t there for me emotionally and didn’t talk to me much. I’ve been hospitalized 11 times. As I got older, I realized I didn’t have to be angry. Counseling helped.

My foster care experience was a roller coaster of emotion. I wouldn’t be here if my family truly cared and if I didn’t make everyone hate me. I would do things like take money to go skating, not wear my uniform, I got into fights which led to suspensions. But this is no reason to give up on a kid.

Foster care definitely took a mental toll on me because some of the places I lived took the position “we will do enough to keep you alive.” I had to pay for my own groceries and toiletries because I had a job. I had to take care of myself. I have rules in one place that are different from another place. They change everywhere I go. I feel like it’s a money thing. Group homes care enough, but at the end of the day, it’s business.

Braces will make me feel more confident.

"STRAIGHTENING OUT” FOSTER YOUTH

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 16:49:25 GMT

GUEST INTERVIEW

Leslie Lacy of Fostering Hope Louisiana, who used to represent parents and children in child welfare cases as an attorney, joins us to discuss her organization’s effort to get braces for youth in foster care as part of a broader mental health and life skills strategy.

Click here to listen to the podcast - The Imprint“Straightening Out” Foster Youth (imprintnews.org)

2022 ANGEL AWARD HONOREE - LESLIE LACY

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 16:45:44 GMT

Meet 2022 Angel Award honoree, Leslie Lacy, founder of Fostering Hope Louisiana which provides braces for children in foster care, oral health education, life skills training and access to quality mental health treatment. Leslie saw this need while representing children in the foster care system and noticed a gap in Medicare coverage with orthodontia.

Fostering Hope Begins and Ends With a Smile

Fri, 14 Oct 2022 15:52:20 GMT

It’s no secret that how you view yourself affects your day-to-day life and professional performance. Leslie Lacy, founder of Fostering Hope Louisiana, a nonprofit organization on a mission to “address the oral and mental health needs of youth in foster care thereby cultivating their potential and equipping them to successfully embrace their future”.

Leslie started out as a graduate of LSU’s Paul M. Hebert Law Center, where she represented parents in Child in Need of Care (CINC) cases before serving for 13 years as a Children’s Attorney for the Mental Health Advocacy Service/Child Advocacy Program. After resigning from her position, she devoted herself completely to straightening teeth, improving self-esteem, and educating and empowering youth.

Click here for more - Fostering Hope Begins and Ends With a Smile - Baton Rouge Parents (brparents.com)

Bayou Time: Keith Weisheit is joined by Leslie Lacy, JD, Fostering Hope Louisiana Executive Director, to talk about the program and the services they provide.

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 15:57:28 GMT

Click here to view this video - Bayou Time 8/31: Fostering Hope Louisiana - KFOL (htv10.tv)

Kelly’s Story

Wed, 23 Mar 2022 22:37:59 GMT

I’m 16 and in the 10th grade. In my free time I enjoy listening to gospel music, journaling or doing Bible study. I like school. Sometimes I need a break, but I have it organized by making a homework list and doing my work at night after I do my sister’s hair and do the dishes, after my “me” time.

We came into foster care because we were having trouble with not having enough. There was a lot going on. My mom was not in the picture. She started coming around after foster care but now we don’t see her. I don’t know what happened.

Life before foster care was up and down. It was too much. Looking back, it was a lot and I used to cry every time I came home from school. I would just sit on my bed and cry. I try to keep a positive mindset that that was the past. I want to be ready for the future. I want to be great, not poor, not rich, financially stable to live and be a dental hygienist.

Foster care was good for me. It depends on what situation you’re in because some kids don’t get a good foster home. My aunt is a person I can go to for help because she will listen and get where I’m coming from. I’m in a good home, it is helpful and I’m on the right path. I’m relieved. Foster care was a good thing that happened, for real.

I want people to get motivation and inspiration from my story. I want to tell them that it doesn’t matter. I want them to be successful and have a good life. For me, God is my Provider and so God knows my future so to walk with Him helps me get through things. Don’t look on your past to determine your future. Just because your background is not so good or even if it is good, depends on you. You determine what comes for your life. It’s your decision what path you choose. And I chose my path and I’m going to keep doing it.

Catherine’s Story

Mon, 07 Mar 2022 23:31:01 GMT

My name is Catherine. I’m 10 years old and in the third grade. I have wanted braces for sooooo long because they’re cool. (I think I have an overbite.) Braces will be good for me because they will straighten my teeth and fix my bite. I want a nice smile.

If I had my pick of favorite meals, for breakfast I would have eggs and pancakes with syrup, for lunch I’d eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and for dinner, sushi!

There’s quite a few things I like to do in my free time. I enjoy singing and making up songs, drawing, doing nails and makeup and sometimes I might go outside and play basketball (but I don’t do that a lot).

When I finish school, I’d like to be a singer or a singing teacher or an art teacher. A singing teacher is a person who gives you tips about how to sing better and teaches you new songs. An art teacher gives you pointers on how to make your art better. I’m in music theater and play the violin and I love it.

In the beginning living with my current foster parents was hard because I was seven years old and had all this stuff on my mind like, would I never see my mom again, how long was this going to last, will I ever go home. The biggest fear I had was that my mom would die from drugs cuz I knew it was a possibility. The fact that she died for that reason, I don’t know what to say.

I started getting comfortable living here since the first day. My foster parents were nice and welcoming and meeting my foster dad was fun. On the second or third day I was with them, I sang to him and he cried. Now it’s just like normal. I was never afraid to ask them anything. They were never mean, they treated me equal to their son and they were and are so nice.

If I needed help with something, I know I could ask my foster parents. I know that they’ll help me because since 2019 that’s what they’ve always done for me.

Overall, foster care has made my life better because I interacted with better people (like people who are sober). How nice everyone was, I don’t know how to describe it, it was amazing. They were very nice. They let me talk to them whenever I wanted or needed to.

Michelle’s Story

Sat, 05 Mar 2022 23:28:36 GMT

My name is Michelle. I am 15 years old and I’m in the 9th grade. I like to watch tv (Nickelodeon and jail shows) and play with my little [foster] brother. I like to listen to Young Boy and rap music in my free time.

I need braces to close my gap and have a nicer smile. Braces are going to make me smile more.

When I finish school, I want to be a nurse because I want to help people. My foster mom and my aunt are nurses. I want to help people in general. If I see a patient and they are diabetic, I will help them.

If I needed help, I could go to my foster parents; I know this because they help me now.

Brian’s Story

Sat, 29 Jan 2022 23:27:04 GMT

I’m Brian. I’m 13 years old and in the 6th grade. During my free time I enjoy playing sports. I also like to listen to country music. When I graduate from high school I want to be a welder.

I don’t know why I came into foster care, whether it was because of abuse or neglect, but if I had to describe it, I would say it’s been a good experience. What has made foster care a good experience is the family I live with now. I’ve been in 4 foster homes total. But if I needed help, I could go to my Mom and Dad [foster parents]. My life is better because of the people I’m with and going to church. My life just feels better.

I need braces to fix my teeth, to straighten them out. It’s important to get them fixed so my teeth will be healthy.

June 2024 - Deband Day

Jenny - Brian’s Adoptive Mother

This experience has been a blessing in many ways. Obviously, the financial assistance with the orthodontic treatment was a huge benefit for our family, but the greater benefit came with the partnership and support as we guide our son to grow and mature by caring for himself and his body. Many children come through the foster system will grasp for control and autonomy. They have lost a sense of control over many basic areas of life- their home, school, family relationships. Some children react by resisting basic self-care. Having support to continue guiding our son in good hygiene practices helped our son grow in confidence and health. We are grateful to continue our relationship with Mrs. Lacy who has been a part of our son’s foster journey from the very beginning.

Natalie’s Story

Sat, 29 Jan 2022 23:25:35 GMT

My name is Natalie. I’m a 19 year old senior in high school. After graduation, I want to work as a waitress. In my free time I like to ride my bike, watch tv and listen to Kevin Gates.

My experience in foster care has been good because I got to go shopping for clothes. Until then I had never been shopping for clothes. Now I’m in extended foster care living with my foster parent who is someone I can rely on for help.

I need braces because of my gap. Braces are going to make me feel better about myself.

Derrick’s Story

Sat, 08 Jan 2022 23:23:49 GMT

My name is Derrick and I came into foster care because my parent had a drug problem. My aunt is a supportive person who I could call on to help me. Foster care is a lot to deal with but the foster people are helping me to get into a better life. My life is better for having been in foster care because it’s helping me find where I want to live and keeping me out of trouble.

I’m 13 years old in the 6th grade. My hobbies are playing basketball and my games. In my free time I listen to Young Dolph and Lil Boosie. I hope to be a professional basketball player one day.

Braces will fix my overbite. I also want treatment because it will make me feel better about myself; my teeth won’t be jacked up anymore.

Fostering Hope and Smiles: Leslie Lacy ‘91

Thu, 14 Jan 2021 16:24:57 GMT

Whether protecting foster children in court or assisting them in procuring braces at the orthodontist, Leslie Lacy is passionate about helping kids. By day, this energetic attorney advocates for youth through Mental Health Advocacy Service in Baton Rouge. And in her off hours, she seeks to brighten children’s smiles through Fostering Hope Louisiana , the nonprofit she founded with husband Dr. Fred Lacy. It’s work that Lacy asserts she was born to do, and in the next breath confesses she never imagined for herself.

After graduating from Governor’s, Lacy earned her bachelor’s in international affairs from Lafayette College and moved to Washington, DC for a job with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, the country’s collective scientific national academy. When she decided to pursue a J.D. at Louisiana State University, she set her eye on civil law. “I was going to get my law degree and change the world,” she recalls with a chuckle. “I certainly didn’t go to law school with the intent of representing abused and neglected children.”

As so often happens, however, things played out differently. Lacy embraced Baton Rouge and decided to open her own practice in the city. “There were a great many families seeking help in the area of special education law, so that’s where I initially focused my attentions,” she explains. But Lacy soon realized the specialty wasn’t feasible and at a friend’s urging applied to be a contract attorney for the state’s juvenile court, representing parents accused of child abuse. A 2008 change in Louisiana law ended her contract and she decided to switch sides and represent children in foster care. She has never looked back. “It’s certainly not what I set out to do, but it has turned out to be what I was meant to do,” she observes.

It was through this work that she discovered her next calling. “I had a young, 16-year-old client, Brittany Butler, who was incredibly bright and struck me as having great potential,” she recalls. “Despite being dealt a rough hand, she never succumbed to frustration or despair.” Sadly, Lacy continues, there was one thing about the young woman that made her cringe—her teeth. “It was heartbreaking because I knew Brittany was being adversely affected by a situation she couldn’t control.”

Lacy enlisted the help of Baton Rouge orthodontist Dr. James Frugé, and after transforming Brittany’s smile, the two knew they were onto something. Realizing she couldn’t continue bankrolling the effort privately, Lacy sought help from area non-profits. “Everyone I spoke to was incredibly supportive, but the program didn’t fit within anyone’s mission, and I finally realized, ‘no one else has the calling on their heart to do this like me.’” And with that, Fostering Hope Louisiana was born. “The way it’s come together has been nothing short of miraculous,” Lacy enthuses. “People in our community have rallied, donating their time, money and services to help these children. It’s been amazing.”

Lacy insists she is grateful to have the ability to help foster children expand their horizons, just as the Academy expanded hers. “Governor’s was a phenomenal experience for me—I will always look fondly on my time there,” she enthuses. “The school gave me valuable exposure to the larger world and encouraged me to push myself mentally and physically.” And nearly three decades later, the school’s motto remains a source of inspiration. ‘Not for self but for others’ – that sentiment continues to resonate,” she concludes.

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