Foster parents, you embody the essence of selflessness, dedication, and generosity. You willingly embrace unpredictability, sacrifice personal comforts, and rearrange your schedules and homes to provide love and care to children who are not your own. You courageously step outside of your comfort zones to meet the needs of those in your care. We want to express our profound gratitude and admiration for each and every one of you. The impact of your love and care is evident in both large and small ways.
Consider Hayley*, a young lady in care who once struggled with violence and impulsivity. Her case manager recently shared the joyful news that Hayley is now finding peace and stability with fewer outbursts—a testament to the transformative power of her nurturing environment. Then there’s Caleb*, a young boy who faced numerous challenges. After months of stability in his foster home and additional resources through Behavioral Health, his Qualified Mental Health Professional was elated to share that Caleb is not only utilizing the self-regulation techniques he’s learned but also helping others. He was overheard guiding a friend on the playground through breathing exercises to help him practice self-control. These are the miracles we witness daily.
As we honor National Foster Care Awareness Month, let’s pause to acknowledge the incredible journey we’ve embarked upon together. Your dedication has made a tangible difference in the lives of countless children, shaping brighter futures and fostering hope.
Since CK Family Services (Covenant Kids at the time) took its first placement in 2002, foster families have played an instrumental role in shaping the landscape of foster care in Texas. To date, the CK family has:
- Provided over 2,700 homes and more than 6,700 beds for foster children.
- Offered loving homes to 9,270 placements of children. That’s right, almost 10,000 kids have had a safe and loving home-away-from-home because of you.
- Devoted a staggering 470,475 hours to training, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to nurture and support the children in their care. If hours were miles, you could travel to the moon and back!
- Endured endless paperwork and administrative tasks, demonstrating their unwavering dedication to the cause.
- Loved on kids 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for 22 years!
Foster care is a collaborative effort. While the foster families are the frontline workers, doing the day-to-day tasks of child-rearing all the way to the critical care moments, the CKFS staff is working right alongside them. Together we are tackling the problem of displaced kids, with a unified vision and unified goals.
As a team we have all been flexible, as regulations and governing bodies have changed. Together, we have been diligent to maintain required standards, knowing that documentation and rules are in place for the safety of the children. And collectively we have been gracious during inevitable bumps in the road, because the kids are at the core of why we are here.
Working in tandem with families, the CKFS staff has worked tirelessly and with a passion to serve, knowing that the work is vitally important. They have staffed 3 offices across 2 regions covering 55 counties. They have seamlessly coordinated placements, intimately familiar with the needs and availability of each family. They’ve provided unwavering support, vital resources, and heartfelt encouragement to families, understanding the intricacies of both their homes and their hearts. Behind the scenes, they’ve meticulously handled writing, document-checking, training, and essential oversight to ensure every child receives the care and attention they deserve. The Behavioral Health team has offered high-quality, individualized services to empower children in care to thrive beyond their circumstances. Meanwhile, our executive team has led the charge, lending their voices at events and engaging with legislators at the state level to advocate for the children of Texas and to mobilize the community in innovative ways.
We are profoundly grateful for the dedicated individuals who answer the call, both in their homes and in their careers, to provide for the most vulnerable in our cities. This calling propels us forward, knowing that the need remains unmet.
As we look to the future, there is still much work to be done. With each child placed, we are acutely aware that many more await assistance—dozens, even hundreds. Each call represents a young life without a safe place to call home. What more can we do as we continue to fight for these kids?
We can RALLY others to join the mission. We need more foster homes in every county, ensuring children can stay within their communities, near their schools, and with their siblings. Adequate openings for children of all ages are essential.
We can RECRUIT families equipped to accommodate higher levels of care through Treatment Foster Care. Our counties urgently require homes ready to support children with greater needs.
We can RAISE awareness in our communities and encourage both personal and corporate donations. Funding makes vital programs possible, and sponsorship opportunities, such as the Rangers game or through events like North Texas Giving Day, provide avenues for support.
Together, we can continue to make a profound difference in the lives of vulnerable children, ensuring they have the love and support needed to thrive. As we celebrate National Foster Care Month, let’s express gratitude to those who tirelessly support foster children. Let’s unite in uplifting these individuals in our thoughts and prayers, fostering hope and healing for children in our area.
