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Feature Articles

New Mexico Teen Honored for Work
that Benefits Children in Foster Care

By Kim Phagan-Hansel

When 15-year-old Brianna Swinderman went to work with her mom one day, she was surprised at what she saw. Brianna’s mom, Alisa Swinderman, had worked for the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department for a number of years, but when Brianna stumbled across a pile of trash bags at the office, she was stunned to learn that often times when caseworkers pick up children from their homes to place them into foster care, their personal items are collected in trash bags.

“Living through that is mentally scarring to these kids,” Brianna said. “I can’t imagine throwing my stuff in a trash bag.”

So in spring 2011, Brianna decided it was time for her to take action, launching Bags of Hope. The Rio Rancho high school student began collecting new and gently used bags and suitcases as part of her Girl Scout Gold Award project. She also collects donations to use toward purchasing new bags.

So far more than 2,200 bags have been donated to Bags of Hope and distributed to children in foster care or children in shelters.

“It really means a lot to them,” Brianna said. “Right now we’re focusing on the bags, but I’ve thought about expanding it more.”

Since launching the program, the Rio Rancho teenager has garnered a lot of attention, being honored as the Channel 4 Hometown Hero and recently receiving the Prudential Spirit of Community Award. She was also recently honored during the New Mexico legislative session.

“Every year it always amazes us to hear the stories of what kids have accomplished at such an early age,” said Greg Loder, executive director of The Prudential Spirit of Community Initiatives. “We want to shine a light on them and hold them up as role models for other young people.”

In addition to Prudential’s nation recognition, Brianna is working with the National Foster Parent Association to take the program to an even high level.

“Once we work with the National Foster Parent Association, we will roll it out statewide then nationwide,” Brianna said. “My project will be a guide to others who want to start a similar project. It’s going to be a long-term project.”

For Brianna, creating Bags of Hope was more than just a way to give back, it was personal. In grade school, Brianna had a close friend who was abused by her father and she ran away. After she was found, the girl entered foster care and Brianna lost all contact with her friend.

“I’ve never seen her since that day,” Brianna said. “Anyone can be in that situation. I want to show [foster children] that people care about them.”

That experience has left a lasting impact on Brianna and she said she’s so thankful that she’s found a way to give back to others like her childhood friend.

“It’s something I’m able to do as a normal 16-year-old,” Brianna said. “It doesn’t require a big project to make a difference.”

And while making a difference in children’s lives is the biggest benefit of the creation of Bags of Hope, Brianna has also gained a lot personally from her experience.

“I learned how to talk to people,” Brianna said. “When I started the project I was pretty much an introvert. Now, I’m a leader. It’s changed my life so much.”

For more information about Bags of Hope and how you can support Brianna’s mission to help children in foster care, visit www.bagsofhope.yolasite.com.

Feature Article Archive

May/June 2013
National Foster Care Month
 

March/April 2013
Teamwork

January/February 2013
Kinship Care

November/December 2012
Understanding the Impact of Trauma and Abuse

September/October 2012
Nurturing Identity

July/August 2012
Working with Birth Families 

May/June 2012
Celebrating National
Foster Care Month:
Finding Support 

March/April 2012
Parenting Teens 

January/February 2012
Grief, Loss & Anger in Foster Care

November/December 2011
Promoting Better Communication Among the Foster Care Team 

July/August 2011
Discipline Techniques for Foster Parenting

May/June 2011
Celebrating National Foster Care Month

September/October 2011
Allegations

March/April 2011
The Impact of Social Networking on Foster Care

January/February 2011
My Personal Foster Care Experience and What I've Learned

November/December 2010
Support Organizations Provide Assistance to Foster Families, Children

September/October 2010
The Importance of Keeping Siblings Connected in Foster Care

July/August 2010
Foster Care Health Care: Finding alternative therapies for healing 

May / June 2010
Celebrate National Foster Care Month and Foster Families Nationwide

March/April 2010
Kinship Care - The best interest for children or a foster care alternative?
  

January/February 2010
Emancipation or Family - Uncovering what's best for teens  

November/December 2009
Discovering What Foster Parents Really Need to Parent

July/August 2009
The Importance of Continuing Education for Foster Parents

May/June 2009
Celebrating National Foster Care Month
  

March/April 2009
Tips for Parenting Children into the Teen Years 

January/February 2009
Finding the Money Connection in Foster Care
 

November/December 2008
Looking Ahead at the Future of Foster Car
 

September/October 2008
Living the Daily Realities of Foster Care 

July/August 2008
Recognizing the Importance of Birth Parent Connection  

May/June 2008
Celebrate National Foster Care Month in May 

March/April 2008
Encouraging Foster Parents to Take Care of Themselves  

January/February 2008
Tips to Help Parents Tackle the Teenage Years

November/December 2007
Becoming the Best Parent for Children in Your Care
  

July/August 2007
Helping Children and Families Cope with Special Needs Issues
  

May / June 2007
The Power of Family
 

March / April 2007
Fostering Un
derstanding in Our Schools

January / February 2007
Finding Inner Peace in Parenting

November / December 2006
Are You My Family?

September / October 2006
Girl Scouts Beyond Bars

July / August 2006
Traditionally Speaking

May / June 2006
From Ward of the State to Defender of the Country

March / April 2006
Becoming Foster Parents

January / February 2006
Thank You, Foster Parents!

© 2011 Fostering Families TODAY magazine, all rights reserved.