The Hawley family is a prime example of love in action. Their first child was placed in their home in 2019 and they immediately embraced him with tender love and care. The moment they met him they fell in love with everything about him. Like Jesus’ mother, Mary, they gave their “yes” to opening their home and hearts to this child. Although there have been many challenges along the way, their unconditional love and God’s grace has allowed them to persevere in their journey.

During the last two years, the family has faced many trials, which included interaction with the birth parents and a deterioration in the child’s behavior. The family worked collaboratively with different service providers to help improve the child’s behaviors both at home and at school. They never lost hope. They created safe spaces in their home for the child to safely express himself and modify inappropriate behaviors. They have been selfless in their love as they reconsidered major life decisions to maintain stability and consistency for this child. They continuously put the child’s needs and interests first without hesitation.

They love like Jesus loved, by giving of themselves. It is with great pleasure that we highlight the Hawley family for the month of December.

We need more foster families like the Hawley’s. To learn how you can become a foster parent contact Dudly Decoste, ddecoste@hhch.org.

The role of a foster parent is essential in helping children heal from the trauma that brought them into foster care. Foster parents not only provide a loving and stable home, but they also teach children life skills so they can lead full and productive lives. Through the love, patience, and commitment foster parents provide, children are able to thrive and begin feeling simply like a kid again.

Little Michael has been with Jacqueline since 2018. Since then, Michael has only experienced Jacqueline’s agape love, patience and a deep sense of her commitment to his well-being. Like most foster parents, Jacqueline has experienced difficult personal circumstances and challenges, however, she has always demonstrated willingness to adapt and develop new skills along the way to provide the best care for Michael.

As a result, Michael sees Jacqueline as the one adult that has always been there through his most difficult times. She has ensured that Michael maintains communication with all the important people in his life and that he always feels and is loved like a child of her own. It is a pleasure and honor to nominate Jacqueline.

Children in foster care need a safe and loving family. To find out how you can become a foster family contact Dudly Decoste, ddecoste@hhch.org.

Tanishia and Roderick Stokes have served as dedicated foster parents for the past six years. In that time, they have cared for more than five children, adopted two and are currently fostering one.

Met with many challenges along the way, the Stokes have risen to every occasion with grace and love. Their current foster son has three siblings who they’ve made it a priority to see as often as possible; certainly, more than the minimum required visitations call for. But making this come to pass hasn’t been easy.

Accommodating schedules outside of what is required. Changing their plans around. Meeting at closer locations to the other family. Organizing the entire visit in advanced. These are all efforts the Stokes have made to ensure the siblings don’t miss out on spending time with each other and being a part of major family events.

The Stokes are constantly striving to do the very best by any child they cross paths with. Their unwavering dedication to the children makes evident how passionate they are about family and sibling bonds.

Children in foster care need a safe and loving family. To find out how you can become a foster family contact Dudly Decoste, ddecoste@hhch.org.

Henry and Sarah have been foster parents for a little more than a year. They exemplify what it means to foster children in our system of care. They advocate for the children’s daily and long-term needs, they are present not just in the home but also in school settings, with therapists and the biological family. They are working toward what is in the best interest of the children in their home.

“We are grateful to be fostering with His House on this journey because we too get to be a part of God’s plan and His House’s mission of bringing wholeness and restoration to the lives of our boys and their family. We met the boys on a Tuesday and Covid lockdown started on a Friday, so it has been a particularly unique last 15 months for us and the boys. But we’ve been able to see them grow both physically (literally inches) and emotionally and have done quite a bit of growing ourselves. We just finished the school year strong and are looking forward to a fun summer of adventures.”

We need more foster parents like Henry and Sarah. Learn how you can become a foster parent by contacting Dudly Decoste: ddecoste@hhch.org