Valerie Gibbs professional photo courtesy of the Administration for Children's Services (Daily News)
Valerie Gibbs, 58, has been taking in dozens of children and teenagers as a foster parent into her four-bedroom home in Castle Hill for years. Now, Gibbs is being taken care of for a change by the city Administration for Children’s Services. “My motto is, it takes a village to raise a child,” said Gibbs, who also has five birth children in addition to the revolving door of kids who make themselves at home. “I take a lot of difficult children, some young adults that need therapy, medication, different things. They deserve to be loved also.” The New York Daily News reports:
Valerie Gibbs was taking in foster children long before the city Administration for Children’s Services recognized her open door and big heart.
Gibbs, 58, has welcomed dozens of marginalized children and teenagers, who are often difficult to place, in her four-bedroom Castle Hill home. She currently takes care of three boys, a young woman and her 2-year-old son.
“My motto is, it takes a village to raise a child,” said Gibbs, who also has five birth children in addition to the revolving door of kids who make themselves at home. “I take a lot of difficult children, some young adults that need therapy, medication, different things. They deserve to be loved also.”
Gibbs was treated to a professional photoshoot with makeup and wardrobe styling courtesy of ACS to honor National Foster Care Month in May. She was one of 22 dedicated NYC foster parents to participate in the special event.
“That was an honor, it really was,” said the former gospel singer. “I feel like a movie star! It was beautiful.”
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