Rachel knew that she and her 12-year-old son Nixon were up for the challenge of serving as a resource family. She has been a kindergarten teacher for six years. Nixon was very open to the idea of helping infants and toddlers who needed a safe, loving home while their parents took the time that they needed to get their lives on track. But Rachel wasn’t sure that Angels Foster Family Network would approve her application, because she is a single mother who works full time.
Thankfully, Rachel attended an information session and discovered that Angels welcomes all people who meet the health and safety criteria, and go through the rigorous screening, training, and certification process. Angels resource parents are singles, same-sex couples, newlyweds, large traditional families, empty nesters, and retirees. Angels is not affiliated with any religious organization.
Rachel’s sister Richelle fostered through Angels and it got Rachel to thinking about it. She had love to give to children, so why not apply? Two years later, Rachel and Nixon have welcomed six children into their lives, including two siblings who are currently with them.
First came an infant who stayed with them for 10 days before going to live with his aunt. Then, a set of boy siblings – a toddler, who was soon followed by a newborn.
Next came a 3-year-old boy who was initially shy, but after just a few days with Nixon and his cousin Austin he was building with blocks, playing with toys, dancing and rapping. “He was such a sweet boy with good manners,” Rachel says. He was placed with an aunt after a weeklong stay with Rachel and Nixon. “The boys were disappointed that he left so soon, but I reiterated to them that these children are not ours,” Rachel says.
For the last year, Rachel has fostered 2-year-old “Kruz.” Her sister, “Baby,” followed six months later.
Rachel says one of the things she enjoys most about fostering is watching the children grow more comfortable and secure. When Kruz arrived, she had a tough time. “She screamed and cried a lot, woke up and went to sleep angry, and was physically delayed,” Rachel explains. Kruz only began walking when she was 18 months old. Prior to that she crawled or walked on her knees. Now she sits in her soft chair with her feet kicked up or snuggles on the couch. “She’s excited to see her mom, so she’s comfortable in both environments,” Rachel says.
Rachel’s son Nixon, says of the foster placements, “I’m happy they have somewhere to go and I like hanging out with them.” His favorite thing to do with the children is read the ‘Brown Bear’ books to them. “Nixon has always been good with kids,” his mother adds.
Rachel is also extremely proud of the parents of the children she has cared for. “A lot of people think that kids come into foster care because their parents are horrible and terrible people, but everyone makes mistakes,” she says. The mother of one of Rachel’s first placements was extremely grateful and said she considered her part of her family. “One of the best parts of fostering is being excited when the parents meet their goals, do better, and get their kids back,” Rachel says.
Interested in fostering, too? 
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