Blog

Getting Ready to Foster Parent?

I'm sure you're researching, taking notes, organizing, and doing everything you can to prepare for children to soon walk into your life. Or maybe you're past that stage, and you've been waiting…for months and months.…

The Forgotten InitiativeNovember 21, 2019

Blog

Becoming Foster Parents: Expectations vs. Reality

We had some expectations about what foster care would look like. Some of those expectations were met, but most of them looked much different than we anticipated. So I wanted to share a brief list…

Mitch NelsonNovember 14, 2019

Blog

Partnership in Parenting

Parenting. What a journey! Sometimes, it’s the greatest journey I’ve been on; other times, not so much. And what about when my child has multiple people parenting them? How do we manage?

Jillian KellenbergerNovember 11, 2019

Blog

Who Do You Love Most?

Foster care is a mix of emotions for us big people. I don’t pretend to know what it’s like for our little people. I just try to look for any clues I can.

Holly GnuseNovember 7, 2019

Blog

Have You Said This to a Foster Parent?

We get it. Sometimes, you don't know what to say to a foster parent. But are there things you should and shouldn't say? We think so.

Jillian KellenbergerOctober 31, 2019

Blog

When to Foster and What It’s Actually Like

Meet Cherith. She’s married to Brandon, and they have three beautiful daughters and a sweet pup named Cindy Lou. If you’re exploring the idea of becoming a foster parent, keep reading. Cherith answers the questions…

Holly GnuseOctober 28, 2019

Blog

Foster Care and Your Forever Kids

One of the most common questions we hear being asked in foster care is, “How will bringing kids in and out of our home affect our forever kids?” You may be surprised with the answer...

The Forgotten InitiativeOctober 24, 2019

Blog

What Costume Is Your Child Wearing This Halloween?

As I grew up, I saw monkeys at the zoo and on TV channels like Animal Planet, but a monkey was just that…a monkey. But on Halloween night years ago, I was shocked to realize…

Shannon SpaidOctober 22, 2019

Blog

Should You Really Donate That Torn Up Couch?

Who wants chewed up cushions? No takers? A recliner now broken in two? What about a loveseat with once comfy micro-suede that now looks more shiny than soft?

Shannon SpaidOctober 17, 2019

Blog

My Relationship Isn’t Going As I Planned

For eight years, I dreamed of the day I would become a foster parent, but my picture perfect expectations aren't panning out to be perfect at all...

Jillian KellenbergerOctober 14, 2019

Blog

When Foster Care Gets Too “Heavy”

Foster care is hard, and it can leave us asking questions like, "Why am I in this? Why is this so hard? How will I ever make it through?" We pray that you find hope…

Mitch NelsonOctober 10, 2019

BlogFree Resource

Questions You Should Ask When You Get Your First Placement Call

Getting the call for a placement comes with a wave of emotions. The moment you see the worker’s number come up on your phone, you’ve already got butterflies about what she will tell you. Will…

Holly GnuseSeptember 30, 2019

Blog

3 Foster Care Posts You Need to Read

Last week we read some really great posts about co-parenting, the really messy reality that foster care is HARD, and a we found a great "thank you" letter that encouraged us a bunch! If you're…

Mitch NelsonSeptember 26, 2019

Blog

Books You Need to Read About Foster Care

You're a reader, but how are you supposed to figure out which books can give you the encouragement, insight, and help that you need on your foster care journey? At TFI, we get all kinds…

The Forgotten InitiativeSeptember 19, 2019

Blog

Puke and Peace in Foster Care

Life in foster care—it’s something. We’ve all had that day that just does not go as planned. You’re driving to work—this might not sound like anything special, but trust me, it is. Today’s the first…

Jillian KellenbergerSeptember 16, 2019

Blog

The Top 3 Foster Care Posts We Read Last Week

Last week we read some really great posts about navigating back to school season, helping our kiddos deal with grief, and how to balance our feelings with our faith. If you're looking for some amazing…

The Forgotten InitiativeSeptember 12, 2019

Blog

Hairy Vulnerability

Can I just admit something right now? I don’t really know what I’m doing. You’ve probably noticed. No, strike that. You’ve definitely noticed, and you’ve been kind. Sometimes you’ve shared your honest thoughts. I’m sure…

Holly GnuseSeptember 5, 2019

Blog

Become the “Dream Foster Parent” Your Worker Has Been Looking For

Many people jump into foster care because they want to love on kids (which is awesome!). There is no shame here in choosing to open your home to a child who needs a safe place…

Jillian KellenbergerAugust 29, 2019

Blog

11 Ways to Prepare for Your First Placement

Before you get that call from the caseworker, add these things to your to-do list. We know that list is long, but we promise, these things will make all the difference. How do we know?…

Shannon SpaidAugust 22, 2019

Blog

Lessons About Identity from Play-Doh

It hit me last night. You see, my girls LOVE Play-Doh, and my mom was kind enough to buy them some to bring back to our house. I, on the other hand, have a love-hate…

Holly GnuseAugust 15, 2019

Blog

The Struggle of Single Foster Parenting

Living the single life can be so freeing. The freedom and independence we, as single people, have is so joyous—being able to do what we want at the drop of a hat. Honestly, I’ve loved…

Jillian KellenbergerAugust 8, 2019

Blog

Who Deserves the Title of “Mom”?

As a parent in a blended family, I have many titles, but a simple Mom will do. Technically, I am Birth Mom, Step Mom, Foster Mom, and Adoptive Mom. But in real life, I simply…

Shannon SpaidAugust 5, 2019

Blog

4 Myths About Teens in Foster Care

Let’s talk about the teen years. Our little people grow into young adults and with that comes new challenges and joys. We each have our thoughts about teens in general. Add in foster care to…

Josh & Liz ArchambaultAugust 1, 2019

Blog

4 Questions To Ask Yourself When Foster Care Gets Tough

I’m not sure if anyone I know would describe any part of life as “easy,” especially not the foster families I know. Whether it’s a comment from a stranger in the grocery store, the dread…

Mitch NelsonJuly 25, 2019

BlogFree Resource

FREE RESOURCE: The Who Loves Series Lifebook

We know that helping your children record their lives can be challenging, and we want to help! Download the FREE Who Loves series lifebook designed not only to help you record your children's lives, but also…

Mitch NelsonJuly 24, 2019

Blog

Does God Care?

Life got interesting in our household a few weeks ago. Two little girls, ages 3 & 4, entered our home and hearts. We love them and yet with all the joy, there are challenges.

Holly GnuseJuly 18, 2019

Blog

Foster Care is Out of (My) Control

Yesterday marked 3 months. 90 days. 2,160 hours. I’ve been a MOM. I’m sorry, whaaaat?! So often my selfishness comes through. Why did I do this? I had such freedom before. Now I have a…

Jillian KellenbergerJuly 16, 2019

BlogFree Resource

FREE RESOURCE: Navigating Birth Parent Relationships

Navigating a relationship with your child's birth parent or helping your children process their feelings about their birth parents is not easy, and we have a FREE resource to help you do exactly that.

Jami KaebJuly 11, 2019

Blog

What I Wish I Knew Before Getting Into Foster Care

Maybe you're thinking about foster care. You've started to research what you're about to jump into, and you want to be as informed as you can. You've contacted an agency. Maybe you've even started your…

Shannon SpaidJuly 3, 2019

Blog

Friends & Foster Care: What You Need Most

It doesn’t matter what age or stage you’re currently in, having friends to walk beside you is a good thing. A sweet thing. I’m finding that true even, and especially, in this foster care journey.

Holly GnuseJune 13, 2019

Blog

5 Ways to Create a Healthy Foster Family Culture

Before we ever said “yes” to our first placement, we wanted to make sure we were setting ourselves AND our kids up for success. For us, that meant evaluating our health as a family. How…

Shannon SpaidJune 4, 2019

Blog

Keeping a Healthy Marriage When Fostering

I think back to the beginning of this whole journey. Foster care classes. After the lesson for the day, our instructor would ask if we had any questions. After a few weeks in, we already…

Shannon SpaidMay 13, 2019