What has your experience been like so far in licensing/fostering?
Erin: I have felt surrounded by encouragement and support from the beginning, especially with Coyote Hill Foster Care Ministries and my advocacy team there. It’s been a welcoming experience – there’s never been any pressure to do anything I’m uncomfortable with. I’ve been able to set my boundaries and they’ve been respected. Communication has been wonderful, and I have never felt like I was missing any information. They have always been there to answer any questions.
Rachel: My experience has been very positive, particularly with Coyote Hill Foster Care Ministries. It’s been very organized, structured, and manageable. I think Coyote Hill Foster Care Ministries makes it easy, as they walk through it with you and turn it into little steps at a time.
Nissa: My experience in licensing with Coyote Hill Foster Care Ministries was fairly easy once I got on track. The process is laid out well, and there was always someone there to answer any questions or help with anything I needed. I was able to just shoot a text and get a supportive answer, which made the process easier. Once I got going it only took 3 ½ months. You definitely learn a lot about yourself during this process.
Do you have a funny story from your experience so far?
Erin: Seeing my coworker in the first fostering class, when we didn’t know we were starting the same journey!
Rachel: I recently went to the grocery store with a new child, and I remember thinking, “Our food choices are going to be a lot healthier going forward, because he actually likes fruits and vegetables!” Those normally sit on my counter to die.
Nissa: My most recent child came out of her room once and spent 45 minutes trying to find me the perfect celebrity boyfriend because I was “too old to be single.” It was a really good bonding experience. If anyone asks, I’m marrying ICE-T.
What would you tell others who are hesitant to foster?
Erin: I was in your shoes. I was worried about what the dynamic would look like with routines and what I’m used to changing, but I was excited about it and learned so much in the process. I experienced so much support from my licensing worker and others at Coyote Hill Foster Care Ministries. There are kids out there all the time that need you. Just because you are a single parent or first-time parent doesn’t mean you don’t have something incredible to offer to a child who needs you.
Rachel: I would say, do it. Do it because it’s so rewarding. Do it because all the things you think will be scary or overwhelming aren’t. The process is so rewarding and it brings purpose. Nothing is more rewarding than pouring into children’s lives. It’s a good way to be positively involved in your community. Kids are resilient, but they need people. Even if you’re disorganized or a chronic snoozer, it’s inspiring to be there for them. Even for single people, it’s manageable and there are lots of resources. You are part of a tribe and you are very capable.
Nissa: Do it anyway because ultimately there’s never going to be a ‘right time’. There will always be something that pops up and you have to just do it.
Are you ready to become part of the Coyote Hill Foster Care Ministries foster parent tribe – whether single or otherwise? If so, consider signing up for our next foster care licensing class, STARS, in May.
STARS Foster Care Training
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