At his best on his bike | CarePortal

A United States social worker recently submitted a request for an unusual item through CarePortal, our platform that connects kids and families in crisis to churches and people who want to help. She shared this story, explaining the weight behind the gift:

An 11-year-old boy was placed into foster care 10 months earlier due to severe domestic violence in his home. While he excelled in school, he struggled making friends, due to social anxiety and slowed social skill development. This made him reluctant to participate in school sports or extracurricular activities.

Instead, he was at his best when he was on his bike.

BMX racing allowed him to come out of his shell and participate with other youth in an organized sport. His love of racing began when his former foster father introduced him to the sport. Originally, it was a way to spend some of his extra energy, get outside and start moving. He would make hills out of anything he could find that he thought he could ride over — and out of some things he knew he could not ride over! He won two first place trophies in his age group in local BMX racing events. These trophies are proudly displayed on the shelf in his bedroom.

Recently, the boy had to change foster homes and was not able to take his bike.

His new foster parents were willing to put in the time and energy to get him to practices and events, but they were not financially able to replace the bicycle or purchase the protective gear needed to keep him safe while competing.

The boy wanted to continue racing in the new county, which was a more rural environment. He had already scouted where he would forge his “track”! He said he would be happy with a bike in any condition, as long as it had good tires with a lot of “riding still left in them”.

A nearby church received the CarePortal request, read his story, and responded to provide the bike!

Of course, the boy was elated to be able to compete again. But for a child who has experienced trauma and insecurity in so many areas of his life, this bike represents much more than meets the eye. The goals he’s working toward, the affirmation he’s received, and the love he experienced from a local church will play a significant role in his healing process.

While his current focus might be on the next trophy, the gift of this bike will accomplish so much more!

There are more than 400,000 children like this boy in the U.S. foster care system. Some may need a dirt bike, some may need sheets for their first bed, and some may need a family. You can help make more stories like this possible!