A Place Called Home
Sarah Hansen, MAA's International Programs Director, took a moment to review and reflect on ‘A Place Called Home,’ a memoir written by David Ambroz.
Every human living in America needs to stop what they are doing and read this book. In this memoir, David Ambroz gives an eye-opening glimpse into the lives of foster youth in the US. From poverty, to abuse and neglect, to system failures, and so much more, Mr. Ambroz shares not just his experiences, but all of his feelings associated with these experiences, and the impact they have had on the person he has become.
Whether you are involved in foster care or not, this memoir provides insight far beyond the walls of the foster system (though, that specific insight is crucial for every American to open their eyes to). But David’s account of his tumultuous upbringing drives home the importance of being trauma informed. Regardless of where you fall – adoptive/foster parent, child welfare professional, teacher, or just a human who interacts with other humans – it is imperative to understand how adverse childhood experiences affect a person for a lifetime. Through his heart-wrenching personal account, David puts the reader in his shoes, making them understand why children with a history of trauma put up walls.
Though a gut-wrenching read, I walked away from this book with a renewed passion – to act, to protect, to speak up, to put words into action. Children are living in poverty, children are being abused and neglected, right down the road and all around the world. It is 2023 – we can do better. We can all do something. So let’s.
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