I was awakened in the middle of the night with the direction, “Go get in the car.” With that, I got in the back seat of the old Buick and fell back to sleep. I remember my mom getting behind the wheel, but that is all. When we got to our destination, I was acutely aware that we were parked at a strange house in a town two hours away. I was also struck by the absence of my father. Separation—that is what they called it. It felt far less sanitized than the word sounds. My mom and dad had been having problems for a long time, and I was painfully conscious of the horrible fights.

There’s something powerful about home.

It’s where people feel known. Where they are comforted after a hard day, celebrated in small moments, and reminded again and again that they are not alone.

But for many children across Texas, that sense of home is uncertain.

The Need

In May, as we recognize Foster Care Awareness Month, we’re reminded of the ongoing need for parents who can provide that safety, stability, and care. Across Texas, there is an ongoing need for foster homes that are ready not just in structure, but in heart.

At CK Family Services, we believe no family should ever feel alone, and that belief is at the heart of something new and exciting at our agency: Family Connections. This growing initiative is designed to ensure that every verified foster and kinship family, as well as those in the progress of being verified, feels supported, seen, and connected.

One of the first steps we’ve taken is creating CKFS Communities. These local groups bring families together right where they are. Through CKFS Communities, families can:

When people begin exploring foster care, many are drawn to the idea of helping children who need stability, encouragement, and safe homes. At the same time, they often carry important questions: 

-Will I be able to handle the responsibility? 

-What if my family needs a break? 

-Will we be doing this alone?

Sara Bussey holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Tarleton State University and a Master of Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington. With more than a decade of experience in child welfare, her background includes roles as a Conservatorship Specialist, Adoptions Specialist, and Conservatorship Supervisor with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), as well as experience as a school social worker.

Foster parenting is a journey filled with love, patience, and intentional care. It also comes with unique challenges that require foster parents to be constantly present and engaged. That’s why respite care is such an essential part of the foster care system—it provides caregivers with the support they need to rest, recharge, and continue giving their very best.

What do all foster parents have in common? A heartbeat. 

Regardless of background or experience, each person has the potential to step into this role and make a meaningful impact on a child's life. This shared heartbeat represents not only the ability to love and nurture but also the resilience and commitment required to support children through their toughest times. By opening their hearts and homes, foster parents create safe, stable environments where children can heal and thrive. 

Let’s be honest: life is messy. Parenting is messy. Foster care is messy. And when you mix in school lunches, caseworker visits, bedtime battles, and a never-ending pile of laundry, it's hard to tell if you're holding it all together or just holding on.

But here’s the truth: the beauty isn’t in having it all together. It’s in showing up.