Andrew and Lori Collins are deeply committed to fostering children well. Their family is an excellent example of people showing compassion, love, and care to children in foster care and their families.
Andrew and Lori first got involved with foster care as a “faith-based reaction.”
“We feel strongly that children should be protected and safe, and we thought we should put our money where our mouth is and offer someone a safe home,” Lori said.
They have been fostering for the last five years.
“It doesn’t seem like that long until you see the statistics on foster parent retention,” Lori said. They were initially licensed through Children’s Division, but they were aware of Coyote Hill’s mission and always had Coyote Hill on their hearts.
“It wasn’t the right fit for us to be house parents, but when Coyote Hill Foster Care Ministries expanded in 2020 and began licensing and advocating for families, they agreed to take us on,” Lori shared. “We were so excited because we really believe in the mission.”
Andrew and Lori strive to do everything they can to connect the children they care for to the resources and accomodations they need.
“Every child that comes into foster care has trauma, and every child deserves the chance to work through those feelings,” Lori said. “Oftentimes, children with special needs aren’t receiving the help they need. As the parent, you are the one who sees what is happening, so you have to be the advocate and speak up.”
They also frequently participate in trainings so they can provide the highest level of care possible.
“It’s important to do trainings and refreshers, to do whatever you can to continue to learn and grow your parenting,” Lori said.
Lori also shared that one challenge she faces while fostering is dealing with the brokenness of things.
“It’s difficult when you see children hurting and injustice happening, but there isn’t anything you can do, other than loving the child in your home,” she said. “It’s difficult to accept that, at the end of the day, you are not God, and you don’t know what God’s plan is.”
Andrew and Lori frequently participate in support groups and therapy to take care of themselves, in order to support the children in their home.
Someone in their support group recently shared wisdom that has provided a lot of comfort to Lori: “It’s not just your job to make sure they’re safe; your job is also to prepare them for the family and situation God gave them.”
For the Collins family, that looks like putting in as many supports as possible while their children are in their home. For example, they work towards establishing individualized education plans in schools, as well as getting them into therapy quickly and consistently.
“These supports follow them after they reunify with their biological family,” Lori said. “And they can support their family, as well.”
To learn more, visit: coyotehill.org/blog/the-collins-family.
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