I Became a Foster Parent and You Can Too

Tami Thornton wants others to know that becoming a foster parent isn’t complicated.

“It may seem daunting and scary at first,” she says, “but these kids are usually so thankful to have a home that they are more than willing to do their part.”

Kids come into foster care for a variety of reasons. Ultimately, CEDARS (www.cedars-kids.org) goal is to either safely reunite children with their families or help find a permanent home for them. Until these goals can be achieved, foster families give kids stability and safety.

“I’m able to provide some guidance and a sense of calm when things start to feel very out of control to them,” says Tami.

With offices in Lincoln and Bellevue, Nebraska-based CEDARS has been serving children and families for over 70 years. The CEDARS Foster Care team works every day to ensure that over 200 foster children and youth flourish in loving families. Because foster parents are an integral part of the CEDARS professional team, they are equipped with exceptional training, have access to support 24/7, monthly support groups and quarterly gatherings for foster families.

CEDARS staff walk alongside children and families every step of the way. With encouragement, guidance, and direction, the team has the honor of watching lives change.

Tami says that the teens she fosters keep her on her toes. “I love how they are so funny! Who needs a slang dictionary when you live with teens?”

It is important to know that there is no typical CEDARS foster family. CEDARS foster families include parents with children at home, single adults, and empty nesters. To help, all you need is a stable home, an open heart, and a willingness to reach out to a child in need.

If you have ever considered fostering and would like more information, please contact Adrianne Poppe at (402)437-8959 or apoppe@cedars-kids.org.