Warren Street Center
343 Warren Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201

Anchor Parent:

• Lourdes Alvarez

When Lourdes was 11 years old her parents began taking in foster children. Seventeen years ago Lourdes decided to follow in their footsteps. Her previous work in a group home for people with mental disabilities led her to take in foster children with special needs. The first child placed with her, Tracy, is still with her today.

Tracy was born addicted to crack and did not even weigh one pound at birth. She is blind, mentally retarded, and has cerebral palsy. Doctors estimate her mentality is that of a one-month old. She currently needs to be fed with a feeding tube. She weighs 70 pounds and will be 19 years old this year.

Tracy was four years old when she was placed into Lourdes ’ home. Lourdes was in the process of becoming a licensed foster parent when the agency called and asked if she would care for Tracy on a temporary basis. Lourdes began visiting Tracy for a few months. After Tracy became accustomed to Lourdes ’ voice she moved in.

Rather than placing Tracy in a group home Lourdes decided to care for her on a long-term basis. Approximately 7 years ago, Lourdes ’ home was changed from foster care to “family care”. The “family care” program is for children who will never be able to care for themselves. Lourdes is very satisfied with this program because she is assisted by a nurse, a liaison to address any problems Tracy may have, and a caseworker.

Although Tracy is unable to see, she can recognize Lourdes ’ voice and gets excited when she hears her. Lourdes describes Tracy as a fighter whom she is dedicated to helping as long as she can care for her.

Lourdes shares her strength, courage, and commitment as a foster parent at her Downtown Brooklyn Circle of Support meetings where she has been an Anchor Parent leader for the past 2½ years. At her meetings, Lourdes has created a community of foster parents who truly understand one another. She is also the co-president of the foster parent association in her foster agency.

As a single mother Lourdes has raised an extensive foster family in addition to her three, now grown, sons. She is the proud grandmother of 10 grandchildren. Currently, she has three foster children in her home, including Tracy , and she reported that she expects another young boy to be placed with her shortly.

Lourdes Alvarez can be reached at (718) 596-2035.