Penny always believed God had a purpose for her life. After weeks of praying for direction, she was working from home one day when “Children’s Hope Alliance” unexpectedly appeared on her computer screen. In that moment, she felt a clear pull toward fostering, and she knew this was where she was meant to serve.

As time went on, Penny discovered her greatest passion within foster care was working with teenagers and giving them the support they often struggle to find. She saw a deep need to provide teenagers with stability and encouragement, and she felt called to be that steady presence during a critical season of their lives.

Throughout her foster care journey, Penny has found strong support through Children’s Hope Alliance. Her CHA case manager and our foster care program have walked alongside her, offering guidance and encouragement through every season. Knowing she is not alone and has a team to lean on has made it possible for her to continue showing up for the children in her care with confidence and peace.

During more than 15 years of fostering, Penny has learned to look for one special moment with every child. Each one arrives feeling unsure and nervous, carrying uncertainty into a new home. Over time, something beautiful happens. She begins to hear music coming from their rooms or echoing through the hallway. When they finally sing out loud, she knows they feel safe. Penny says this moment has happened with every child who has ever lived with her.

One of Penny’s most meaningful experiences has been the journey from being a foster mom to becoming an adoptive mom to her two sons. Through fostering, her faith has grown stronger, and her life has been filled with renewed purpose and joy.

Penny believes her foster children have changed her life just as deeply as she has changed theirs. They have given her love, trust, and the gift of becoming “a mother of many,” something she will carry with her forever.

In honor of National Foster Care Awareness Month, we want to express our gratitude for foster parents like Penny who open their hearts and homes to children in need. We are deeply grateful for the compassion and care that our foster families show every day. This month, and always, we want to raise awareness about the urgent need for foster parents and the life changing impact they can make by saying yes to fostering.

If you’ve thought about fostering a child, we’d love to speak with you. Please reach out to us at www.childrenshopealliance.org/fostertoday!