I could not imagine writing this story eight years ago. Before we moved to Santa Rosa Beach, we lived in a very tiny home. My husband, Jason, prayed that if we were able to have a larger home, we would use it to foster children. Soon after, we moved and started our foster family journey. Though my husband and I didn’t see it at the time, all we needed to do was say yes, and, since then, we have had the privilege of watching mountains move, doors open, and seeing lives both healed and restored!  

Our journey has been one of constant surrender. Jason and I had a very clear idea of what we thought our foster care life would look like, but after welcoming and loving 32 children in our home, we quickly learned to throw our plans out the window. This surrender has taken us to many unexpected places, some hurts, and some of the most glorious redemptions. While reunification is almost always the goal, either with the birth parents or a relative, knowing that our family was a safe place during a time of need was what kept us saying yes. 

After first fostering two brothers, we were given the opportunity to foster a 16-year-old young lady. Her birth parents had abandoned her. Instead of caving to the fear, we chose to take her into our family, and that faith was honored with protection and justice. Six years later, this beautiful young lady continues to blossom daily and we are still actively involved in her life.

Our next placement of a set of brothers was short but sweet.  They were full of laughter and, though they were tiny, carried the biggest personalities.  Our home was constantly filled with big belly laughs. We even had the honor of celebrating one’s birthday with the help of several friends.  It is so meaningful to honor the children in big ways! Our hope is that they always know they are worth celebrating and being loved. 

While many of these stories begin with heartbreak, the stories of redemption are endless. The last children to leave our home were with us the longest. There was so much uncertainty about their future and ours, but in our uncertainty, we decided to love without reservation. It was beautiful watching these precious little girls blossom, giggle, dance and grow. Loving them as God loves me was worth the heartbreak of them leaving our home to be reunited with their siblings in a wonderful adoption story.  

Their departure left all our hearts broken but full of joy for them. We decided to take a break from fostering until our oldest graduates high school in May.  Our boys were not happy with this decision. I love their compassionate hearts. They never said no to a child, never said they wanted a child to leave, and they would prefer to keep our home open to more children.  

There is a great need in our very own backyard, and most of the children who have come through our home were local, even attending the same school or church as our family. These children are typically victims of neglect, parents’ drug use, parents’ murder charges/conviction, and abandonment, and these issues have not stopped.  In fact, cases like these continue to increase in numbers while the number of foster homes continues to decrease. It’s safe to say that Walton County is in need of its community to open their hearts and homes to the local children.  Due to the lack of foster homes, siblings are often separated and at times placed out of area.  This need is why I am sharing my story - for them. Becoming a foster parent is a huge responsibility, but the blessing of helping to change the trajectory of a child’s life is a privilege.

Foster parents open their hearts and homes to children who can no longer remain safely in theirhomes due to abuse or neglect. Nurturing families are especially needed for olderyouth, sibling groups and children with special needs. Foster parents receive training, a monthlyfinancial reimbursement, and support from a mentor. If you are interested in opening your heart and home to children in need of a safe place from your community, please visit www.FamiliesFirstNetwork.org 

FamiliesFirst Network serves nearly 2,200 children from Okaloosa, Walton, Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. 

Nearly 90% of the children in foster care from Walton county are placed out of county due to the lack of foster homes. 

Walton:

Number of children in foster care: 113

Number of foster beds available: 23

Immediate need: 90

Okaloosa:

Number of children in foster care: 136

Number of foster beds available: 121

Immediate need: 15