IMPACT STORY
THIS IS HOW WE CHANGE FOSTER CARE
Today, we’re sharing a story from a caregiver in our Love Box program –and it’s all in her words.
This is the power of relationships. This is what you are making possible. This is how we change foster care.
Hi, I'm Mel. From a young age, I had a heart for kids. My summers during high school were spent at my uncle’s orphanage in Honduras, where I saw firsthand the profound impact that love and support can have on a child’s life. My husband, Jason, grew up in a family that was involved with fostering, so when we first started having discussions of my desire to become a foster parent he didn’t hesitate; he was fully on board.
This is the power of relationships. This is what you are making possible. This is how we change foster care.
Hi, I'm Mel. From a young age, I had a heart for kids. My summers during high school were spent at my uncle’s orphanage in Honduras, where I saw firsthand the profound impact that love and support can have on a child’s life. My husband, Jason, grew up in a family that was involved with fostering, so when we first started having discussions of my desire to become a foster parent he didn’t hesitate; he was fully on board.
After a year of marriage, we decided to open up our home and since then, our lives have been enriched by eight incredible children. We’ve watched firsthand the damage that drugs can do to a 2 month old baby. We’ve parented kids that were left at home to be watched by their 8 year old sibling. January marks our 2 years of fostering. In those two years, we have been able to reunite 4 kids with grandparents, 1 back with mom, and two that were placed in a new home closer to their family. Each child brought their own story, their own fears, their own hopes, and their own needs.
Parenting is challenging for anyone, but fostering children from hard places brings its own unique struggles and emotional toll — although it's nothing in comparison to what these kids have had to endure in their young life. In this journey, no foster parent or child experiencing foster care should ever walk alone.
After 6 months of opening up our home we started asking for recommendations for organizations that support foster families. That’s where Angels came into our home and provided above and beyond what we could have imagined. They have been a lifeline for our family.
After 6 months of opening up our home we started asking for recommendations for organizations that support foster families. That’s where Angels came into our home and provided above and beyond what we could have imagined. They have been a lifeline for our family.
In the beginning of our match, it felt like a first date. Meet up, share food and hope it goes well. Rachel and Andie came to our home with an abundance of food, snacks, diapers and best of all a warm dinner for the whole family. We grew closer and became more comfortable with each other after each meetup. Over this year, we’ve attended sports games and comedy shows with Andie, Rachel and her family. We’ve had dance parties and sang “Jesus Loves Me” at the top of our lungs. Andie and Rachel have become true friends to our family.
Recently for Labor day weekend I expressed to Andie the need for Jason and I to be able to reconnect with his family in Louisiana without kiddos. There is nothing like having a friend that hears your needs and moves into action. Rachel and Andie said that they would watch Harmony* for the long weekend and went as far as to buy car seats, a crib, high chair, and all things needed so we could go recharge and not worry about anything. We felt so loved and cared for, more than they will ever know. After this we realized that we had gained some friends for life. On the days when the stress of being a foster parent is almost too much to bear alone, they have been a constant source of support for me and Jason.
We are moving towards adoption of our current placement and we hope to keep “Tia Apple” and “Tia Rachel” in our life. Andie and Rachel have become part of our family, and we’ve learned that this journey is not one-sided. We’ve shared laughter and tears, supporting each other through surgeries, breakups, and life’s ups and downs. Together, we navigate this path through this unbreakable bond and friendship we’ve formed.
Statistics show that 50% of the foster homes close their home within the first year simply because they feel there is no support available to them. I firmly believe that if every foster home had someone walking alongside them the way Andie and Rachel have walked alongside our family these statistics could drastically change. I believe you, whoever is reading this, is not here out of pure coincidence. As you read this, you have a chance to be a part of something that could shape our futures. With a little bit of love, support and encouragement these kids may be your future doctor, teacher, lawyer, business partner, pilot, or friend.
Statistics show that 50% of the foster homes close their home within the first year simply because they feel there is no support available to them. I firmly believe that if every foster home had someone walking alongside them the way Andie and Rachel have walked alongside our family these statistics could drastically change. I believe you, whoever is reading this, is not here out of pure coincidence. As you read this, you have a chance to be a part of something that could shape our futures. With a little bit of love, support and encouragement these kids may be your future doctor, teacher, lawyer, business partner, pilot, or friend.
Thank you, Mel, for sharing your incredible story with us. We are deeply inspired by your amazing family — and Andie and Rachel who continue to walk alongside you on your journey. This is how we change foster care!
Like Mel said — YOU can be part of something that changes the futures of those who open up their homes to foster, and the kids who are experiencing it.
Consistent financial support impacts the lives of our foster care community every single day. $10, $25, $50, $100/month…every dollar counts! Can we count you in?
And if you're already a member of our Angel Alliance, there are more ways to leverage your impact! Our goal is to raise $250,000 by December 31st to move every kid and family off of our waitlist and into our transformational programs. You can make an additional gift today!
*Name changed for privacy purposes.
