Jessica, a Flagstaff foster mom, knows that having the support of a loving family can completely transform a child’s life. In her previous career as a high school teacher, she was saddened by how many of her students struggled with homelessness or lived on their own. Jessica saw a need that she could fulfill by providing a nurturing home to foster children in her community.
Leading up to foster care, Jessica played an engaged and active part in child welfare. She served as both a CASA (court appointed special advocate) for children and a member of the Foster Care Review Board. These experiences enriched her expectations of foster care and better prepared her for this critical role.
“It gave me a very different view and perspective and expectations than friends that we know that foster,” she said.
Taking the Next Step
Finally, Jessica and her husband decided that they were ready to open their home. With joy in their hearts, they opened their foster care license in December 2017. As a Catholic woman, Jessica chose to work with Catholic Charities because she knew the agency would appreciate and respect her faith.
Excited for what the future would hold, Jessica and her family received their first placement, a little boy, in January of 2018. They knew from the happiness they felt that he was meant to be their son. A year and a half later, they adopted him and closed their license, feeling content that they had changed this boy’s life for the better.
However, the family soon felt they had more love to give and decided to reopen their license. Unfortunately, they had just missed the deadline and had to begin the licensing process from scratch. But still they persevered, knowing the impact they could make was worth the effort.
“We just feel like we can offer a loving environment and we know that there’s such a need. We needed to do it,” Jessica added.
A Spring Surprise
Feeling confident after their first success in fostering, the family reopened their license in February 2021. This time, they were blessed with the placement of a baby girl. When the baby girl arrived at their home, all the emotions she had felt the first time around came rushing back.
The biggest reward for Jessica is simply experiencing the joy of watching her children grow and thrive in her home. She is grateful that her work with her family business allows her to focus on her kids and be present for all the memories and milestones yet to come.
Jessica and her family are working on getting the baby girl adjusted to their home, providing her with all the love and care she needs. They look forward to continuing their journey in foster care and enjoying this new addition to the family.
