Foster Family Stories

Being placed in foster care impacts in significant ways every aspect of a child's life: emotional, physical, social, moral, and spiritual development and well-being.

Joey (age 5) and Tommy (age 4) were placed in foster care because of serious problems within their family. At first, because of behavioral issues, they rebelled against and struggled with the structure and disciplinary rules of the foster home. With firm discipline and loving and consistent care, both boys have developed a strong and healthy attachment to the foster family. Joey and Tommy became eligible for adoption some months ago, and without hesitation, their former "foster family" is now their "adoptive family" (and "forever family").

Many children come to foster care because of substance abuse within the home:

Mary's mother, a habitual user of illegal substances, verbally abused her infant child, Mary (now 19 months old). When placed with Agape, Mary exhibited no emotion and refused to play with toys. That all changed under the loving and tender care of her foster parents. Now her mother, attempting reform under a drug rehabilitation program, is working with the courts toward reunification with her child, and if and when successful, has asked Mary's foster parents to become Mary's "grandparents."

Some children grow to adulthood and become emancipated out of foster care to become responsible young adults:

Aaryn graduated from high school and is now in college, financed solely by student aid and seeking a degree in nursing. She is self-supporting, a remarkable achievement insofar as she had first come to foster care as a child of nine. She spent eight years in various foster homes, and became an Agape foster child when 17. She has remained close to her Agape foster family, and frequently babysits for them. Here's what Aaryn says about her Agape experience: "I never would be here without the love and support of my Agape foster parents."

Being a foster parent can and should be a satisfying and fulfilling experience. Having foster children in the home effects the dynamics of all the relationships within the family. Here are examples of what Agape foster parents say about their experience:

"I have watched my own children grow from the experience of taking in a foster child. They see how much children suffer who are born to people who aren't prepared to raise them properly. I am hopeful this will inspire them to make the right decisions in their own life." - Anonymous

"I have watched my own children grow from the experience of taking in a foster child. They see how much children suffer who are born to people who aren't prepared to raise them properly. I am hopeful this will inspire them to make the right decisions in their own life." - Anonymous

"I never thought I could be a foster parent being a single mom. The social workers at Agape made it possible for me. I can always count on them to assist me when I need help. I feel secure knowing that my kids will have all the support they need." - Iquo O.

"We really appreciate the level of support we receive from Agape Villages. Our social workers go out of the way to sincerely make us feel like an extension of their family." - Mark and Laura M.

"We have been foster parents with Agape Villages Foster Family Agency for four and a half years. We can't imagine not having foster children in our home. It has been the experience of a lifetime." - Pat and Glenn T.

"I have been a foster parent with other agencies…. Agape is like family. It has been the most rewarding opportunity to work with kids I've had because of the kind of support Agape offers. There is a focus on the whole picture-the biological parents, the children, and my family and myself. I am part of a team…. We are all in this together…." - Glori E.