Maryland’s Treatment Foster Care program were treated with a visit from Buffalo Bills cornerback and children’s book author Christian Benford.
A Maryland native, Benford shared his personal journey, including the adversity he faced early in life, and how his perseverance, focus, and belief in his own potential carried him forward. He read from his children’s book, “Stylish Safari: The Adventures of Being You” and spent time with our youth, families & staff signing books, taking photos, and speaking on the importance of education, resilience, and staying the course despite obstacles or doubters.
For young people navigating the child welfare system, hearing that message from someone who has lived it reinforces a core truth we work to instill every day, that circumstances do not define potential! His story is a living example of our 4 Core Connections which we build our work around (Hope, Connection to Self, Connection to Others, and Connection to Community) and a powerful reminder to our youth of what is within reach, regardless of where they started.
We are so grateful to Christian for sharing his time, his testimony and his truth with our youth.