Foster Parents Need Support: Community Makes It Possible

Maria and John were busy parents to two daughters. They felt called to open their home to foster care despite their hectic life. Once they were licensed, they got the call they had been waiting for – a child needed a home. But it wasn’t exactly what they were expecting, a family group of three.

Maria knew one thing for certain: she wanted to help, but they weren’t ready to take an entire sibling group. That didn’t mean they couldn’t be part of something bigger.

I knew we personally weren’t ready to house a whole sibling group,” she said, “but I was excited to be part of a team of foster parents that could keep those siblings in close proximity.”

What she didn’t expect? That one of those families would live right across the street. Maria’s family became part of a shared commitment to this family. A collaboration. A partnership.

Our foster daughter can look out our door sometimes and see her brother coming home… it’s a visual reassurance that he’s healthy and adjusting well.”

That kind of connection changes everything for a child separated from their sibling.

It turns uncertainty into comfort.
Distance into reassurance.
And strangers into community.

The Reality of Fostering

Maria is honest about her experience:

Fostering hasn’t been easy or perfect in any way.”

Foster care stretches families in unexpected ways. Biological children learn to share not just toys — but time, attention, and emotional space. Parents learn new ways to love children who have experienced deep trauma.

It’s uncomfortable for all of us,” she said, “but I think it’s growing wisdom and selflessness in us for the long haul.”

Why Support Matters for Foster Parents

This is why support matters so much. Because foster parents aren’t just opening up their homes — they’re opening up their lives. When they say “yes” to a child, they also say “yes” to being part of a team and navigating complex systems every single day.

Nationally, nearly half of foster parents quit within their first year, often because they don’t feel supported enough to continue. That’s why support is essential.

At Thornwell, support is built into everything. Families are supported by staff and a community that shows up, so they can keep showing up too. When foster parents are supported, they’re more likely to continue fostering, provide stable homes, and respond with consistency and care. And that stability gives children the chance to heal and stay connected.

Connection Changes Everything

Thornwell’s foster care model emphasizes connection — not just for children, but for families. Foster parents are encouraged to build relationships with one another, to share resources, to step in to help.

And behind every family is Thornwell’s Foster Care team that shows up consistently.

I can’t imagine walking this road without the help of our Family Specialist… always ready to answer our questions,” says Maria of working with Thornwell.

And alongside our team at Thornwell is a community of support that makes it all possible. When foster parents are supported, they can continue saying yes.

Here’s how you can get involved during May which is Foster Care Awareness Month:

• Become a Thornwell foster parent or join our Foster Care Village
• Provide meals or gift cards
• Pray for foster parents and offer encouragement
• Give financially to support tangible needs