By Development Team | Kidsave Staff
Renee and Jonathan Omoyeni knew in their hearts that they wanted to make a difference in the life of a foster youth — they just weren’t sure where to begin. After hours of online research, they discovered Kidsave and felt strongly that welcoming an older youth into their lives was the right path forward. With hopeful hearts and a sense of excitement, they attended their first Kidsave Houston Weekend Miracles event in January 2023.
Houston Weekend Miracles is a Kidsave program that brings together older youth in foster care and caring adults through monthly weekend events. These events provide a relaxed, no-pressure environment where meaningful connections can form naturally over shared activities and conversations. The program allows adults to build relationships with youth without the immediate expectation of adoption, honoring each child’s voice and comfort level while creating opportunities for lasting support.
It was at that first event that Renee and Jonathan met Veronica. From the very beginning, they sensed something special about her and felt drawn to learn more about who she was.
Veronica was clear early on that adoption was not something she wanted, but that did not deter the Omoyenis. They remained committed to building a relationship and becoming a consistent source of support in her life. At Kidsave, a child’s voice is always honored, and Veronica’s wishes were fully respected. Not wanting to be adopted does not mean not wanting connection. For Veronica, the Omoyenis became something just as meaningful as family — a trusted support system grounded in care and commitment.
Quiet and reserved by nature, Veronica needed time to feel comfortable and open up, and the Omoyenis gave her that space with patience and understanding. As Renee shared, “This felt like the perfect time for us to make an impact where she could truly see and know that she would always have a safe space with us.”
Over time, their bond grew into a deep and meaningful relationship. The Omoyenis supported Veronica both academically and spiritually, encouraging her to explore her interests and dreams. With their support, Veronica attended a summer engineering camp at the University of Texas at San Antonio, where she experienced college dorm life, met new people, and imagined new possibilities for her future. Throughout the experience, she frequently reached out to Renee and Jonathan for guidance, encouragement, and reassurance. They were a steady presence whenever she needed one. It was during this time that Veronica discovered her passion for science and began planning a future as a meteorologist.
Because Veronica expresses her emotions quietly, the Omoyenis sometimes wondered how their support was impacting her. Renee reflected, “I may think in my mind that it wasn’t meaningful to her, but then later we’ll hear something that shows it was — she just expresses emotions differently.”
Today, the impact of this relationship is clear. Through the Houston Weekend Miracles program, Veronica gained a consistent, caring support system that continues to encourage her growth and confidence. She is pursuing her dreams with Renee and Jonathan cheering her on every step of the way. As for the Omoyenis, the experience has deepened their appreciation for parents and foster parents alike. Their relationship with Veronica has been truly life-changing — built on love, trust, and unwavering support — making them a family in every sense of the word.
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