Even before she knew what fostering was, Renae Heilman knew it was something she was meant to do. Inspired by the movie Annie, she didn’t play House like other kids—she played Orphanage. Her childhood Cabbage Patch dolls became a diverse family of all races, ages, and genders, each “placed” under her careful watch and nurturing spirit.
That heart only grew stronger as Renae became a mom herself. She and her husband are parents to three biological sons, now ages 27, 17, and 13. Their youngest two were just 10 and 7 when the family began fostering in 2019. But from the very beginning, this was a team effort. “We’ve really included our boys in every part of the journey,” Renae shares. “We consulted with them on what ages they were comfortable with, and one time, even called our youngest son at school to ask if he’d be willing to share his bedroom with an incoming boy. Without hesitation, he said yes. That’s just who he is.” The boys are part of the process, always welcoming each new kiddo. "It’s not as scary for a child when they come in and see another kid there."
Now six years in, the family has welcomed their 20th placement—an infant. “We thought we were finished taking babies,” Renae remembers, “but then we couldn't say no to this 12-day-old girl. And, of course, we fell in love with her.”
The family has also grown in a more permanent way. Though Renae didn’t initially plan to adopt a teen, that changed when they met a 17-year-old girl placed in another CKFS home. Over time, they built a bond, and when she needed a new placement, Renae’s family stepped in—fast-tracking the adoption process to make her a forever part of their lives. “She fit right in,” Renae says simply.
When a child arrives at their home, the family's first goal is to make them feel safe and included. “We let them pick out familiar snacks at the grocery store, take them to Walmart for an outfit they like—just something to help them feel like they belong.”
Renae is an inspiration to parents everywhere. When asked how the journey of being a foster parent has impacted her, she shares, “It’s impacted me in more ways that I can count. If I ever stop getting attached, I’ll know it’s time to stop. I’ve had my heart broken a million times—but I’d do it all again. Because they’re worth it.”
