Logan and Eliana's Story
When Logan* reached out to us, he was determined to keep his one-year-old daughter, Eliana*, out of foster care. Though Logan and Eliana’s mother were not in a relationship and lived in different counties, he was doing his best to be there for his daughter while her mother faced legal concerns and a brief incarceration.
A Complex Situation
Logan had no legal custody of Eliana—his name wasn’t on her birth certificate—but his commitment to her safety was clear. Logan was referred to us by someone in his church, and our staff and volunteers quickly facilitated a hosting arrangement for little Eliana. Initially, Eliana was only expected to stay with a Host Family for a few weeks. But as the situation evolved, it became apparent that legal matters would keep her mother from regaining custody for much longer. Logan was willing to step in, but without legal authority, he couldn’t care for Eliana on his own.
Logan was willing to step in, but without legal authority, he couldn’t care for Eliana on his own.
Community as the Solution
That’s when we helped facilitate a solution. Eliana’s grandparents had previously been granted Power of Attorney (POA), but they lived out of state and couldn’t immediately step in. Miraculously, Eliana’s grandmother happened to be in Elkhart County when we needed her to sign paperwork. She met Logan for the first time during this process, an emotional experience for both of them.
Miraculously, Eliana’s grandmother happened to be in Elkhart County when we needed her to sign paperwork. She met Logan for the first time during this process, an emotional experience for both of them.
With POA paperwork signed, the plan came together: Eliana would stay with her grandmother out of state. Our Host Family provided a safe, loving environment for Eliana for a few weeks until those arrangements were finalized. Throughout this journey, our staff also encouraged Logan to remain involved in Eliana’s life. This crisis seemed to strengthen his resolve to be a consistent presence for his daughter.
A Positive Ending to the Story
A few weeks after the hosting was over, one of our team members met Logan while they were both out and about in Fort Wayne. He took a moment to thank us again, saying how grateful he was for our support during such a difficult time.
This story reminds us why we do what we do. While we are not meant to be a long-term solution, we are here to bridge the gap, ensuring children like Eliana stay safe and connected to their families during moments of crisis. Through these connections, families not only find stability but also discover new community and hope for the future.
*Names changed to protect privacy.