Jennifer Calivas captures the life of Krista Dorr, who grew up in the foster care system.

A recovering drug addict, Cynthia Buzzell attempts to teach young women about the importance of being sober for their children. Cheryl Rau and Molly Graham speak to Buzzell, who discusses her life when she was involved with drugs, and her attempts to recover from her drug abuse.

At the Opportunity Farm for Boys, at-risk youths are able to receive help and education. Jill Smith discusses the programs offered at the farm to assist the youth's who live there.

One day every year, Elise Kiely takes each of her children out of school for a hooky day. Katie Ricciardi documents how Kiely took her son surfing during the winter as a way for them to keep a close relationship.

Christy Shake spends most of her time caring closely for her teenage son Calvin who has severe epilepsy, autism, and other health problems, some of the symptoms of which she uses cannabis products to treat. Her prolific blog (www.calvinsstory.com) recounts her struggles, celebrates successes, provides advice, and tells the story of what it is like to raise a chronically ill, disabled child.

Elizabeth Churr speaks to families about adopting their children, who are bi-racial. Churr discusses how these families find it important to adopt bi-racial children, and how they deal with the negativity.

After the death of her youngest daughter, Libby St. Pierre lost custody of her children. St. Pierre recounts the events leading up to the death of her daughter, how her former husband was indicted for murder, and the hole that has left in her life.

Talking to kids about sex can be, kind of awkward. How much to tell them, or not tell them. How do you know when they’re ready for it? Brittany Cronin has the story of a mother who is trying to figure out how to talk to her sons about sex, and opening up to her own sexuality in the process. NOTE: This piece contains curse words and references to sex.

When Josh Howe returned home from the hospital after having a brain tumor removed, his sister Morgan started to get frustrated. Kim Alexander documents how the family has coped with Josh's condition.

Craig Smith documents the annual polar bear plunge held in Industry to honor Chester Greenwood, creator of the earmuffs. Smith focuses on the Fowke family, who are partaking in the plunge.

Pamela Wood introduces readers to stories in this issue of Salt magazine related to the wild blueberry barrens of Maine.

Posey Gruener highlights the story of Rick and Barbara Spiegel, two dwarfs who live in Scarborough. The Spiegel's speak about their experiences with dwarfism, their relationship, and having a child.