We’re so excited to introduce you to Tom and Melisa: two of our amazing foster parents who have been providing loving foster care for the past 15 years! Throughout this time, they’ve welcomed many children into their home, offering both a safe place to stay and a true sense of family, too. One of those children even became a permanent part of their lives through adoption, a beautiful reflection of the deep and lasting bonds they form with the children in their care.

What makes Tom and Melisa truly stand out is their positive and caring approach to foster care. They’re thoughtful, proactive, and always open to learning. They bring a trauma-informed lens to everything they do, making sure every child feels seen, heard, and valued. Melisa is known for her reliability, as she is often the first to turn in paperwork, and both she and Tom make sure the kids are actively involved in monthly Child and Family Team meetings, showing just how much they value transparency and inclusion.

Melisa jokes that she and Tom are “loud and obnoxious—that’s just how we roll!” It’s clear their home is full of both heart and humor, and that joyful, welcoming spirit has played a big role in their ability to open their doors to so many children in need.

Their foster children feel the love, too. “They let us play sports, they include us as part of the family. They treat us just like everyone else,” one shared. Another added, “We specifically asked to be placed in a Christian home,” showing how much the family’s values resonate with the kids they care for.

Every year, the family takes a vacation together, often to the beach, and they’re already counting down to this summer’s trip. These shared experiences are just one of the many ways Tom and Melisa create lasting memories and a sense of normalcy for the children.

Tom and Melisa, thank you for your years of love and compassion, and for showing what foster care can look like at its very best. We’re grateful to have you as part of our CHA foster care family!