April 2010 Face of a Foster Care Graduate – Rozetta Mowery
April 1, 2010
Our April feature comes to us from Tennessee. She was in foster care for over twelve years and gives tremendous credit for her achievements in life to God and the Christian principles she learned from the United Methodist Home for Children that took her in. Please welcome Rozetta…….
Name: Rozetta Mowery
State: Tennessee
Occupation: Author/Motivational Speaker/Child Advocate
Book: Tragedy in Tin Can Holler.
Website: www.tragedyintincanholler.com
Rosie with her sisters when they entered the foster care system.
I spent over twelve years of my childhood in foster homes in northeast TN. It was a Holston United Methodist Home child in Greeneville, Tennessee. The Christian principles and teachings and faith in God, which I learned from the Holston United Methodist Home for Children, always remained with me and formed a strong foundation that helped me to survive all of the hardships I faced in my lifetime. Even though all the odds were against me, I survived and become a productive and responsible member of society. I was determined to prove to myself and others that there are no brick walls. I never wanted to be labeled, “one of those kids”, whether it was because I came from a place called Tin Can Holler or because I was a foster child. I graduated from high school in 1970 as a member of the National Honor Society and was on my own at the age of eighteen. In 1973 I moved to Florida where I became a Florida Realtor and worked in the executive field for major corporations in Florida.
In 2006, after raising my 3 children, I sold my home and quit my job in Florida and returned to the place of my birth in Athens, TN and to the little community where I lived that was called Tin Can Holler, to find out the truth about my family and why my father murdered my mother when I was 7 years old. I was traumatized with my findings and knew in my heart that God had brought me back to my roots for a purpose and that was to help others. I wrote my family story titled “Tragedy in Tin Can Holler” to help other people and to send a message to all those who are living in domestic violence.
Discovering the truth about my family sent me on a mission that I never envisioned. Today I am a writer, published author and motivational speaker for all ages. I’m also an advocate speaker against child abuse and domestic violence. I volunteer my time to assist with fundraisers that promote and support domestic violence programs and children shelters. I’m also a spokesperson for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) for children in the states foster care programs and the United Methodist Homes for Children nationwide. In addition, my book is required reading for all the foster parents in the jurisdiction of the Holston United Methodist Home for Children, which is in the Holston Conference.
Message to all Foster Children
Rozetta (Rosie) Mowery Today
My message to all foster children is for them to know and believe that they can do and be whatever they desire as long as they stay focused on their goals….it does not matter where they come from or what they have been through. They must not be afraid to ask for help. My best advice would be, “Get a mentor”….that could be a teacher, preacher, coach, a business man or woman that they admire who is successful, and always socialize with people who have also set goals for themselves. Always avoid drugs and alcohol and most important, believe in God and include him in your daily activities and devotions.
Rosie as a teenager in foster care.
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4 Responses to “April 2010 Face of a Foster Care Graduate – Rozetta Mowery”
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A wonderful story about a person who never lost hope. Even in her darkest times she overcame. Then went on to become a productive member of society. Who goes out of her way to continually help those in need. A real hero to be looked up to.
Rosie is a truly extraordinary woman. She never gave up hope and kept the faith. It is true that when one door closes, another door is opened to you. I firmly believe that Rosie is a perfect example. If God leads you to it, He will see you through it. She is truly blessed and her reward is in helping other people.
OMgoodness, bless your heart! What a blessing you are in our world. I wish all the best to you and I’m sorry for your struggle but I tend to believe, our gift to the world only comes from our struggle.
God is truly awesome. Being a former foster care youth 8 years, I can truly say that god has brought me a mighty long way. Thank you for sharing your story. I began advocating for foster care youth and will continue in DC this summer as I complete a internship with the senate finance committee. This opportunity is allowing me to working on issues regarding foster care. I believe it is essential for us to realize, our past struggles belong to god and he uses them to his benefit. Continue to stand your ground with gods help and know people like you make a big difference. And will make foster care better than when we were in care!