Foster Care: Finding Family for Tommy and Ashton
Brothers Tommy and Ashton did everything together. They loved to build forts and make-believe with their action figures. Because Ashton was a year older, he would read the words in the comic books out loud as the two poured over them and picked their favorite superheroes.
When instability in their home created an unsafe environment, Tommy and Ashton came to CEDARS. Knowing the boys’ fears, and acknowledging just how difficult it was to be removed from their home, CEDARS staff thoughtfully placed them with the Smith family.
In some cases, homes are sought for a single child, but in many cases, children come to us as a set of siblings. Because the bond between siblings is so important, CEDARS makes every effort to place siblings together in a single home. The reality is these kids are living with the effects of trauma. They want and need the same love as other kids.
“These kids really just want someone who’s going to open their home to them, take time to sit down with them, get to know a little bit about them and simply be their support and give them love,” says Adrianne Poppe, with CEDARS Foster Care team. “Foster care is the situation that these kids are in, but it doesn’t define who they are. They have the same excitement, hope and pride that other children have.”
Kids come into foster care for a variety of reasons. Ultimately, CEDARS goal is to either safely reunite children in their care with their families or find a permanent home for them. Until these goals can be achieved, foster families give kids stability and room to grow as individuals.
Every day, the CEDARS team is working 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 have access to support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, monthly support groups and quarterly gatherings for foster families, as well as regular training opportunities.
When the Smiths first contacted CEDARS about their interest in fostering children, they were unsure about how it would affect their lives. They knew that welcoming one young child into their home and hearts would be life-changing. They had misgivings about their ability to care for two.
CEDARS staff walked alongside the Smith family every step of the way. We encouraged and cheered, guided and directed, and had the honor of watching Tommy and Ashton begin to relax and blossom in a safe and loving family.
“I hear so often from foster parents that fostering is the best thing that happened to them,” says Poppe.
It is important to know that there is no typical CEDARS foster family. CEDARS foster families include parents with children at home, single adults, couples hoping to adopt 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. The CEDARS team is committed to providing the best experience possible to foster children and foster families.
Foster parents play a special role in the lives of siblings like Tommy and Ashton. If you have ever considered fostering and would like more information, please contact Adrianne Poppe at (402) 890-1410 or apoppe@cedars-kids.org.
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