Christy’s Sweet Impact on Foster Families
Christy Westlund’s journey began with a deep passion for helping children and families. For 15 years, she worked in Virginia, providing support to children in foster care and their families. It wasn’t just a job for Christy; it was a calling.
She saw firsthand the transformative power of community and care in the lives of children who had been through so much.
In 2022, Christy moved to Central Florida. While she was settling into her new surroundings, she knew one thing for certain—her passion for helping others couldn’t just stop. It wasn’t long before she found herself attending First Presbyterian Church, where she learned about the Family Advocacy Ministry. Intrigued by the work they were doing, Christy reached out to see how she could get involved.
Soon after, she began volunteering as an Advocate. She helped oversee the care communities wrapping around foster families in the area, offering support, resources, and a compassionate ear. Years later, Christy reached out to the Family Support team at Commission 127. “What if my love for baking could be a way to bless the families we serve?” she asked. The team, recognizing the power of Christy’s kind heart and creativity, jumped at the idea. And that’s how Christy’s cupcakes became a monthly tradition for local foster families.
Each month, Christy lovingly bakes cupcakes for children celebrating birthdays. But these aren’t just any cupcakes—they’re personalized works of art. Christy goes the extra mile to learn about each child’s favorite flavors and interests.
Whether it’s a batch of strawberry cupcakes for a child who loves fruit, or cupcakes themed around “Cars,” Sonic the Hedgehog, or popular video games, Christy ensures that every child feels seen, special, and celebrated.
It may seem like a small gesture, but for the children in foster care, these cupcakes represent something much bigger. They are reminders that they are loved, that someone cares enough to remember their likes and interests, and that they deserve to feel joy and celebration. In a system where so much can feel uncertain or out of their control, these cupcakes provide a sweet, tangible expression of love.
Christy’s impact goes beyond the cupcakes themselves. It’s about the care, thoughtfulness, and time she dedicates to making these children feel important. It’s about showing them that their birthday is not just another day—it's a day to be celebrated. And that simple act of kindness has rippled through the lives of so many children and families, leaving a lasting imprint on their hearts.
Thank you, Christy, for using your talents, your heart, and your love for baking to purposefully bless the families in our community. You are making a difference, one cupcake at a time.