By Jill Rippy Did you know there is an organization that can assist foster children with obtaining free braces? I fostered a youth who was able to utilize these services. Here’s what you need to know: Your income does not ever count when...
By Mary Gemmer, Foster Mother I sat in a school gym tonight feeling so out of place. I felt like I didn’t belong there. After a really rough night last night, where I lost my cool with the kiddos, I felt like I should probably crawl into a...
By Jill Rippy The system is broken because humans manage it; don’t use this as an excuse to quit. You knew it was broken way before its attempt to break you. Your calling doesn’t end just because it gets too hard. Being a team player is...
By Mike Rippy When my wife and I started fostering, I admit, I was somewhat reluctant. We learned pretty quickly that we were not made to foster little kids. We found our teen foster niche pretty quickly and boy has it been a journey. Here are 15...
By Jill Rippy Teens tend to be the most feared population of foster children. Without a doubt, the majority of the calls and messages I receive from potential foster parents are from those wishing to foster ages 0 to 5. When I ask why they prefer...
By: Jill Rippy Foster parents tell me quite often they cannot afford to take their family on vacation. Yes, my dear. Yes, you can. Spend your money on making memories and giving your foster children memories rather than things. Every kid deserves to...