I Became A Foster Parent And You Can Too

“I love my boys,” says Carmen Arguello.

Carmen became a foster mom to her nephew’s two children when they were experiencing a crisis situation.

“It was scary,” she says. “There was a knock at my door. The kids were hungry and [their dad] didn’t have anyone he could turn to.”

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 room to grow as individuals.

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.

“I don’t think they have to be your blood to take in these children,” says Carmen. “There are so many kids who need a family to just love them and take them in their home. There are so many great resources out there to help families do it. I’m doing it. And it’s all through CEDARS.”

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.

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.

“Even though they’ve been through a whole lot, they are normal kids just like any other normal kid who has a mommy and daddy around. I am their mom. It’s the best thing that’s happened in my life.”

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