2032
- traci0428
- May 5
- 2 min read
Last week, I was at the bank doing some account maintenance and needed the expiration date from a colleague’s driver’s license. He sent it over, and I laughed when I read the year: 2032. I told the banker it had to be a typo. He laughed too and said, “You know that’s only six years from now, right?”
Wait… what?
Did you realize that? The 2030s are less than five years away.
Time is weird. Ask me about the 90s and I’ll tell you they feel like yesterday. But thinking about the 2030s being right around the corner? Honestly, it kind of blows my mind. That moment stuck with me. It’s a reminder of how quickly time moves—and how easy it is to let it pass without intention. I know “make the most of each day” sounds cliché, but there’s truth in it.
The reality is, life isn’t usually shaped by one big, defining decision. It’s shaped by a lot of ordinary days and small choices. Yes, there are those “fork in the road” moments that change everything—but more often, it’s the small, seemingly insignificant decisions that quietly lead to something much bigger.
Next month (honestly, tomorrow!) is Foster Care Awareness Month. I want to challenge you to make one small choice—just one—that could create change. Our theme this year is
“You belong in their story.”
And I truly believe that.
Every one of us has a role to play in helping children flourish. It doesn’t have to start with something big. My own journey into the foster care world started simply—I offered to babysit for a foster family at my church. Twelve years ago, I never could have imagined that one small “yes” would eventually lead to starting a nonprofit to support foster families.
If you’re wondering where to start, here are a few simple ideas:
Show some love to foster families you know—mow their lawn, bring dinner, or offer to babysit
Host a donation drive for items for care kits - https://www.fostersquad.org/foster-care-kits
Share your gently used items on eQuipHub to support families welcoming a child -https://www.fostersquad.org/equiphub
Set a calendar reminder in October to sign up for Operation Santa wish lists -
Be an advocate –share our social media posts to help break down misconceptions
If you’re ready for something bigger:
Sign up for an orientation with Four Oaks to learn about becoming a foster parent -
Support the “You Belong in Their Story” campaign with a financial gift https://www.fostersquad.org/youbelong
Explore volunteering as a CASA - https://hhs.iowa.gov/family-community/casa
Host a lunch and learn or meeting to learn more about foster care
I truly believe the way we change the foster care system is through community. When foster and kinship families are surrounded with consistent, meaningful support, they have the strength to keep going. And when people see that kind of support exists, more families are willing to step forward.
Let’s show up for Iowa’s kids in a way that makes them feel deeply loved, supported, and free to just be kids.
Because the truth is—we don’t have as much time as we think.
2032 is only six years away.
Thanks for being a part of the SQUAD,
Traci
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