Immediately upon retiring from his professional careers in police work and politics, Methuen’s Larry Giordano, then 60, said, “Time to give back” to something especially close to his heart.
Raised as a foster child for 17 years and surrounded by love, he knew the foster system was an area he wanted to impact. But how?
“We got a bunch of people together and went to (the state Department of Children and Families). The director was from New Zealand – my foster mother was from New Zealand! It was meant to be,” he explains.
And so, 20 years ago Foster Kids of the Merrimack Valley (FKMV) was born.
“The director said they’d never had a Christmas party for kids. Imagine that! We got together and had 82 kids that first year. We thought that as we went along, there’d be less,” Larry chuckled. “This year, we took care of almost 300 for Christmas.”
Not only has the need exploded, but so has FKMV’s commitment to bring joy to local foster kids and their foster families.
Larry and wife Eileen now lead an army of volunteers in year-round endeavors. Most recently, FKMV’s Santa’s Helpers pitched in with donating and wrapping piles … and piles! … of goodies for the kids. The Christmas party at Launch trampoline park was followed by gift and clothing (coats, hats, mittens, PJs) distribution at St. Lucy’s church hall. They hold an Easter party, plus there are fund-raisers to provide three scholarships a year for kids who age out of the system, and they pay for children to attend things like dance classes or summer camps – experiences that financially might be out of reach for foster families.
“That’s what we’ve been doing last 20 years. And it flew by!” says Larry, who also enjoys teaching kids about martial arts as he runs Giordano Family Karate Studio.
Eileen is quick to credit FKMV’s helping hands.
“Really and truly, we have hundreds and hundreds of people who are volunteers,” she says, noting her appreciation for businesses that collect toys and others like Marshall’s that donate pajamas. “Our board is a combination of community leaders, business owners, accountants, former foster children themselves – all committed to the mission.”
The Lawrence and Haverhill DCF offices work directly with the families. When there is a need, a family’s social worker (through their supervisor) will make a request to FKMV.
“The 5 people on my committee will look at it and vote on it,” Larry explains.
Three years ago, Larry started hosting an Appreciation Dinner at the Sons of Italy to recognize the parents who dedicate themselves to children who desperately need love, a home and a sense of normalcy.
“It’s something I always wanted to do, to give back to the parents – they’re the leading force,” Larry says. “This is just for the adults; social workers baby-sit the kids.”
“Kinship placements” are becoming more common, according to Eileen. “These are children placed with grandparents, an aunt, uncle, so they’re cared for by a family member. There are lots of foster parents who have one or two (foster children) they care for. We get to hear their stories. It’s heartbreaking.
“One grandparent has 4 grandchildren in her care – she a single person, with 4! They’re all quite young – not teens yet,” Eileen continues. “She’s loving it and says they’re really good kids. How much more could you ask?”
Kristen Hannan is a 14-year foster parent who has cared for 40 (yes, 40!) children and counting. She met the Giordanos through FKMV’s Christmas party her very first year of fostering.
“I love Eileen and Larry,” she says, noting their personal approach to supporting foster families has personally touched her. “It’s really important to me that all the kids in my home do (activities) they want. It can be very costly and adds up. Money from the state doesn’t necessarily cover that. It was great to hear that (FKMV) would support my kids’ interest. It’s a huge help!”
A girl currently in Hannan’s care has cerebral palsy and other medical challenges.
“It’s important for her to get as many motor experiences as she can. I reached out about gymnastics and I (received) a check to cover 4 months of gymnastics. It’s so incredible what (the Giordanos) do!” she said, adding that they’ve also allowed children in her home to attend summer camp which is so important for kids who need to keep routine and consistency year-round.
Hannan is a “foster parent ambassador” and connects with those across the state. She can vouch for FKMV’s impact: “I know that other regions don’t have this resource; you don’t get anything extra at Christmas. … It’s very, very special. … (The Giordanos) are inspirational individuals, just so humble and kind. They lead by example.”
Time is a thief, and the Giordanos are pleased to know that what they’ve started won’t fizzle out.
“Eileen and I are getting older, so we’ve got a young board – people in their 30s to 50s,” Larry says, noting daughter-in-law Danielle Giordano is the group’s new vice president. “They made a promise to us: No matter what happens to us, they’ll keep (FKMV) going.”
“The community truly, truly supports us in a big way. They’re wonderful,” Eileen says.
“I never thought we’d end up where we are today,” adds Larry. “God didn’t make junk. Someone has to take care of (the foster kids). And there are great people behind the scenes.”
