Foster Parent Angel Aguilar Makes Difference in Children’s Lives

According to the Child Welfare Information Gateway, more than 391,000 children in the United States are living in foster care. As a foster parent, CPC Logistics truck driver Angel Aguilar, who is assigned to Toyota Quality Parts Express in Torrance, California, plays a critical role by providing a safe and loving home where they can heal.

Since becoming foster parents in 2014, Angel and his wife Hirma have cared for dozens of children, including two who are living with them now.

“Sometimes, when Hirma and I are walking around in a public place like a mall, kids we fostered years ago will approach us and say they are grateful for what we provided for them,” Angel said. “I’m proud to say many of the kids we fostered are now married, have their own kids, are working or are in college. It feels good.”

Half of the children who enter foster care are eventually reunified with their birth parents. Foster parents are frequently asked to support these efforts—including facilitating visitations and attending court appearances. They must always be prepared for children to be reunified with their birth families when it is in their best interest.

“One of the biggest challenges is getting attached to the children,” Angel said. “Many of them go back to their parents or another relative, and it is bittersweet because you feel like there is something missing when they leave.”

Like any parents, foster parents inevitably come across difficult situations that they do not feel prepared to handle. According to Angel, successful foster parents must be flexible, open-minded and willing to learn.

“You have to put in the effort to understand each child because no two are the same,” Angel said. “Some demand more space while others want a lot of attention.”

At one point Angel and Hirma were fostering nine children, including five siblings.

“Those five brothers and sisters didn’t want to be separated, so I went to court and told the judge handling their case that I would take them all,” Angel said. “That first night we assigned them to their rooms, but when I got up later to check on them, I found them all sleeping in one place. They really wanted to be together, so we made it work. They were with me for two years.”

Several of Angel’s CPC co-workers as well as employees at Toyota Quality Parts Express have shown their support by donating items such as clothing and toys for his foster children.

“I don’t ask them, but they want to help,” Angel said. “It just comes out of the kindness of their hearts.”

Angel’s friend and fellow truck driver Martin Carillo was so inspired that he and his wife Janet decided to also become foster parents. They currently have two children living with them.

“There are kids out there who can’t see a light in their future, so if you have the ability to help them in any way, please do,” Angel said. “Hirma and I can’t foster every child in need, but we give whatever we can. It feels good in your heart and soul to know you made a difference in their lives.”