Widely celebrated among Latinos, the quinceañera marks an important milestone in a girl’s life. Part birthday party, part rite of passage, it recognizes a girl’s journey from childhood into maturity when she turns 15. Also known as a quinceaños or quince, the day traditionally includes a Mass, a big party with live music, and a ceremony that marks the quinceañera’s (or girl turning 15’s) transition to womanhood by trading her flat shoes for heels.

By the time 15-year-old Kristina came to the home of Bridges Homeward foster parents Carlotta and Kwesi, she had lived in multiple different foster homes and a group home. Kristina comes from a Central American culture where quinceañeras are very important, and she had been looking forward to hers for quite a while. But unfortunately, Kristina's 15th birthday had come and gone without the traditional celebration she wanted.

Carlotta and Kwesi are known around Bridges Homeward for being thoughtful and caring foster parents. Their number one priority is that kids feel happy in their foster home. So they decided that Kristina would get the quinceañera she wanted and deserved. The two foster parents researched quinceañeras and how they’re celebrated in Kristina’s culture. They learned about all the things her quinceañera would require, including the importance of the high heeled shoes for her flats-to-heels ceremony.

Carlotta and Kwesi threw Kristina’s quinceañera this summer on her 16th birthday. It was a huge success, and everyone, especially Kristina, had a blast! Traditionally, the quinceañera’s shoe ceremony is performed by her father. Since Kristina’s father couldn’t attend her quince, Kwesi graciously offered to change Kristina’s flat shoes for heels. Kristina was more than happy to accept.

Our Intensive Foster Care team was so glad that these awesome foster parents took the time to learn about, honor and incorporate Kristina’s culture into their lives together as a foster family. Getting to have her quince has made Kristina feel so much happier in her foster home. She feels truly listened to, cared for and respected by Carlotta and Kwesi, which is the most we could ever hope for a youth in foster care.