Tuffy’s story is more than just that of a campus mascot—it is a journey of survival, resilience, and redemption, mirroring the experience of countless children and caregivers navigating the world of kinship care. Once the proud symbol of a university, Tuffy was eventually abandoned, left without recognition or a place to belong. He knows the pain of being forgotten, the trauma of being cast aside, and the struggle to find stability after losing the support of those who once celebrated him.

This is the same pain and uncertainty that many children in kinship care experience—suddenly finding themselves without their familiar surroundings, disconnected from the life they once knew. Like Tuffy, these children often face feelings of loss, confusion, and displacement, needing a guiding force to help them regain their footing.

By embracing Tuffy as its official emblem, SAFN is ensuring that his story of abandonment transforms into one of triumph. No longer forgotten, Tuffy now stands as a proud, powerful, and determined figure, much like the kinship caregivers who dedicate their lives to ensuring that children grow up in safe, loving homes.

Tuffy’s fighting stance is not just about strength—it’s about determination. He fights not just for himself, but for every child who has ever felt lost and every caregiver who has stepped forward to provide love, stability, and a place to call home.

Through Tuffy, SAFN sends a clear message: No one is forgotten. Everyone deserves a chance. Family is built on love, not just blood.

Tuffy is more than a character—he is a rallying cry for kinship caregivers and children, a beacon of hope, and a reminder that no one’s story is over just because they’ve been left behind. With SAFN by his side, Tuffy will continue to charge forward, representing the courage, compassion, and commitment of kinship families everywhere.

Tuffy's new purpose:

representing kinship caregivers