Miracle of love

Leah is committed to bringing hope to young lives. “I think a lot of people are scared about kids being damaged and worry that they can’t make a difference, but very quickly I started to see the impact that love could have.”– Leah Robinson

In her early 20s and still living with her parents, Salvation Army worker and volunteer Leah Robinson knew there was a desperate shortage of foster carers, but had no idea if she would be considered at her age.

With her parents’ support, she decided to carry out the necessary training and was immediately asked to care for a baby who required medication and treatment around the clock.

“One of the reasons I agreed to care for this little girl was because she had some illnesses and disabilities and I have a rare bone condition that I have suffered from since a young child,” Leah says.

Leah was the primary carer, but had valuable support from her family, their Salvation Army church, other carers and “a great team of doctors”.

Thriving through care

Leah says the young girl soon exceeded all expectations for walking and talking and, as she reached each milestone, “there was just an incredible sense of joy and happiness”.

“The first day that she walked at church, when she got up for kids time and actually walked on to the stage with some wobbled steps – to hear the clap and the cheer (from 250 people) as she did that was incredibly exciting and I think everyone felt a part of her story,” Leah says.

“We all want to be a part of changing someone’s life and I can’t think of a better way than fostering.”

Still in her 20s and recently married, Leah has now not only offered long-term care, but also short-term emergency care and respite care, to nine children.

“There are children desperately in need of genuine love and affection, the basic human needs, but they’re not getting those things,” Leah says.