Reflections from the Community
The reflections below come from my online community and from real people I have supported through foster care and adoption. These stories represent lived experiences shared with permission, with identifying details removed for privacy.
“After almost 7 years of Fostering, my wife and I know this all to well!! It’s both physically and emotionally draining!”
“THIS!!!! 3 months in and everyone who was “there for me” has quietly disappeared. Trying to figure out a support system but it’s rough at the moment.”
“This! The classes were horrible. They were so basic and did not prepare people. I only knew what I was getting into because my parents fostered kids my whole life. And I have four siblings adopted to foster care in many other kids that were in and out of our home.”
“At least now I know I am not alone.”
“No one can understand this until you are in the thick of it.”
Voices from Families I’ve Walked Alongside
These reflections come from families I’ve walked alongside, during placements, court dates, transitions, and the quiet moments in between. Their words reflect what it can feel like to have someone who understands the road you’re on.
Heather is an amazing person. She was so approachable and always so easy to talk to. Anytime I was going though a hard time I always felt like I could talk to her. Fostering and adoption is a journey and could be a lonely one. Having her on my side always made me feel like I wasn’t alone at all. - A.F.
I’ve known Heather for over 6 years now. When our family started fostering, we knew very little about the process. Heather was so gracious to get us plugged into the foster care community and help us get equipped to advocate for the children in our home. She was instrumental to us on navigating the adoption process and if she didn’t know the answer, she knew who would. Thankful for her big heart for others and loving our family well! - S.O.
Our family adopted a child with medical needs. After speaking with Heather, we learned that we qualified for medically fragile assistance through the state, something we didn’t even know was available. She walked us through the process step by step, and because of her guidance we were able to secure the support our child needed. We are incredibly grateful. - V.C.
These stories are shared by parents who needed a place to tell the truth about this journey.
If you’re carrying the weight of this work and need someone who understands it from the inside, you’re not alone. Learn about the Lighthouse Programs here.
“You can’t pour from an empty cup. Finding help and having a village is paramount.”
“So much truth spoken. this is what burned us out and made us finally close our license.
“no it definitely does not!! I was sooo burnt out! I had 20 beautiful precious placements in less than 2 years...”
“10 years into fostering, they definitely do not tell you a quarter of the “real life” of fostering in those classes.”
So true. It’s such a broken system and foster parents are out here quietly throwing everything they have at these kids to lessen their trauma and give them something to cling to.
If you’re walking this road and need someone who understands it from the inside, you don’t have to do it alone. - Me.