Raising a Glass to Foster Parents
Glasses clinked and cheers erupted as each foster parent arrived at The COOP, Winter Park’s favorite chicken restaurant.
Upon stepping inside they were greeted exuberantly by name just like in the classic 80’s sit-com, Cheers. “Mandy and Chris!” “Carrie and Jeff!” The show’s theme music played in the background, and the savory aroma of chicken tenders wafted through the dining area. After some more cheerful conversation and time to sit down and settle in, dinner was served! Each guest went through the mouthwatering buffet line, filling their plates with The COOP’s generous offerings of chicken, mac ‘n cheese, green beans, and more. Before returning to their tables, the guests stopped by the drink machine to fill their special mugs with their favorite sodas.
Last month, we held our first Foster Parent Honoring Ceremony, and we have many more to come. May is Foster Care Awareness Month, and this night proved a meaningful time of celebration, compassion, and unity for our C127 Family; our foster parents had the space to share their experiences, ask questions, and confide in each other.
Underneath the excitement and nostalgia of the Cheers themed evening, a certain heaviness coated the atmosphere. Foster parents had come to be honored, but the feelings of being appreciated, thanked, and seen are often scarce for them. They are on the front lines; they are fighting to give healing and hope to children who have already endured the pain and trauma of being taken from their homes, some multiple times. These kids arrive at each new foster home carrying some baggage in their hands and much more in their hearts. All of it comes into their new homes and families; the foster parents are not only taking on a new family member, but also a whole host of hurt, fear, and trauma. The foster care system exists to care for vulnerable kids, but who will care for the caregivers?
Deana Scott, herself a foster parent with her husband Terry, plays an integral role in serving Central Florida foster parents. As one of C127’s Family Support Specialists, she works to connect foster families to critical resources and communities that love and support them. Deana kicked off the event by formally welcoming our honored guests and introducing our staff team.
Next, our C127 Board member David Morillo, also Full Sail University’s Strategic Relationship Manager, delivered a powerful encouragement. He emphasized the richness and the importance of the work these foster parents are doing. Then he led the group in prayer, thanking God for the wonderful servants gathered there and the power of the work they do.
The last individual speaker of the evening was Dominic Watson. Dominic is the Vice President of Embrace Families CBC, one of Central Florida’s most prominent child welfare agencies. He expressed his gratitude for the foster parents, who are on the front lines of the fight to protect vulnerable children. He also thanked C127 for the ways in which we partner with churches to support foster families; he has seen firsthand the increased longevity in foster families that results from this service.
The night then shifted to a panel discussion. Foster parents rotated in and out of four stools positioned in the front of the room, and they took turns answering questions and sharing about their experiences being foster parents. This time was full of honest reflections, many of which included plenty of laughter and also tears. Parents spoke about the challenges of caring for kids from hard places, the joy and fulfillment that comes with providing for vulnerable kids, and important lessons they have learned along the way. Hardly a question was answered without highlighting the need for support and community. Several foster parents pointed out that they would have given up if they had not been cared for and supported along the way. It is clear that support is key to the success of foster families and ultimately the protection of children. In order to increase support for foster parents, we must first increase awareness of their need.
Cheers to Lakesha!
She has been serving as a single foster parent since 2020, and loves caring for the littlest ones straight from the hospital!
May is Foster Care Awareness Month. There are over 1800 children within the foster care system here in Central Florida and foster parents are engaging in critical, sacrificial work to protect and love these kids and their families. As well as being a month to consider and remember foster parents and the tremendous impact they are making, this month is, and needs to be, a call to action. It remains a proven reality that foster parents cannot succeed on their own. Support from a loving community isn’t a nice plus for foster families; it is a must. Because this is true, we need to act.
Send a text. Write a note. Make a call. Say a prayer. Attend the next volunteer orientation at your church. One thing we hear time and time again from our foster parents is that the little things can make the biggest difference. Your few simple words of encouragement could revitalize foster parents; they could stay in this hard calling because of you.
Thank you for being part of a network that supports 400+ foster/adoptive families loving kids from hard places. What is your next step to bring encouragement and hope to a foster parent today?