Wonder Family

In 2017, Juan was 10 years old and living in foster care. Early childhood trauma had profoundly affected his ability to trust and form healthy relationships.

In June of that year, Juan was introduced to Jack, an adult volunteer mentor in the Wonder Mentoring Program (Wonder). Jack believes strongly that every child deserves to grow up knowing that they matter and that someone cares about them, no matter what.

Wonder matches children in foster care with caring, consistent adults like Jack who accompany the child on a journey in the arts, nature, sports, cultural events, and other activities. As the mentor repeatedly shows up and demonstrates stability, the child begins to experience relationships as a source of joy, meaning, and support.

Juan and Jack have attended Sacramento River Cats and San Francisco Giants baseball games together. They’ve seen the Harlem Globetrotters, and have been indoor rock climbing together. Juan knows that if he has something he needs to talk about, Jack will be there to listen.

Through the Wonder program and his relationship with Jack, Juan has grown into a remarkable young man who gives back to his community. For three years now, he and Jack have purchased clothes and food for people who are living without homes. Juan, who knows first-hand the challenges of the foster care system, is growing into a young man who finds value in easing the pain of others.

Earlier this year, Jack introduced Juan to a program at the local library where children read stories to service dogs. The dogs are calmed by the steady voices of young people, and the kids love petting and interacting with the dogs.

Sadly, Juan’s foster family was recently confronted with a painful reality. Their own dog, Ellie, had become terminally ill. Even through his own sadness, Juan managed to understand that Ellie was in pain and that letting her go peacefully was the right thing to do.

The next morning, Juan’s foster mom discovered that he had been up all night reading to Ellie. Juan explained that reading to dogs soothes them and that he wanted Ellie to know she was loved. When Jack learned of this, he was overcome with emotion, “That a child who has been through so much has developed such a deep capacity for love and kindness brings tears to my eyes,” Jack said. “I’m so grateful to be a part of his journey.”

Wonder changes the lives of children in foster care every day and gives them hope for the future! It’s recognized nationally as an excellent program, yet, it receives no public funding. Wonder relies 100% on the generosity of the community for support.