My husband and I began doing foster care when our children (by birth) were young. We found we had plenty of room in our hearts and home for children who were in need of a family. It taught our children the value of sharing with people less fortunate than themselves. In the end, we adopted five children and fostered more than 75. All of them touched our hearts and we hope we touched their lives in a positive way.
At this time of year it seems that everyone's hearts turn to home. Having a family to call or visit during the holidays is a big part of who we are as adults. It is difficult for us to imagine the pain of so many individuals, almost 20,000 of them every year, who leave foster care without a family and have nowhere to call home. Whether we are 13 or 33, we need parents and family and we all recognize this more during the months of November and December.
We are grateful to our children for filling our lives with joy and challenge. And while we cannot expand our family further at this time, we want to encourage others to consider adopting an older child. Most people do not know that you don't have to be wealthy, married, or own a home to adopt. You don't have to be interested in changing diapers, or staying up all night, as there is an urgent need in our country for families to take on the ultimate challenge of adopting a teenager.
We would love to answer questions and help others begin the incredible adoption journey. In addition, we are always happy to hear of others in our community who have adopted so that we can join together to help the children who do not yet have families. It is our hope that by next Christmas, many more children will be home, in a permanent family, for the holidays due to us as a community working together.
Please call me at (218) 998-3400 if you are interested in learning more about how to adopt or would like to be supportive to families who are doing so.
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Maryjane Westra
Permanent Family Resource Center
Fergus Falls
