Yonkers mother has ‘a happier home’ after becoming a foster parent
In honor of Mother's Day, News 12 is highlighting a local foster mom and her son.
Yonkers resident Paulina McConnaughey has always wanted to be a mom.
"That's all I wanted to be — a mother — since I was a little girl," she said.
Although she has biological children, she knew she wanted to be a foster mom too, as her parents also fostered children when she was growing up in Colombia.
"I don't have an empty nest in my house. I have life, I have love," she says.
It's why she fosters 16-year-old Korah Gordon. He was in foster care since he was 3 years old. The two of them have been together since November and were connected through The Children's Village in Dobbs Ferry.
"I have a wonderful son here and our family became a happier family and a happier home," said McConnaughey.
"The whole experience changed me in a way. Each day was a new lesson," said Gordon.
For both of them, Mother's Day is a special day. They're planning to spend the day together and go to church.
Gordon brought flowers to the interview with News 12.
"These flowers are for my mother, Sandra. I have not seen her in many years, but she is always in my heart,” he said. “These flowers [are] also for all mothers, especially my foster mother Paulina and all other foster mothers."
Both have a message to foster children and people who are considering becoming foster parents.
"Stay strong and to follow the good guidance that is provided," said Gordon.
"Please do it because you can make a difference in a person's life," said McConnaughey.
