Skip to main content

Foster care is essential in our community, providing safe and nurturing homes for children who can’t stay with their biological families. At TFI, my colleagues and I take immense pride in offering comprehensive support to foster children and their families. 

On December 4th, I had the honor of meeting with Beth Weaver (pictured on the left) at the TFI office in Overland Park, Kansas. Beth kindly took the time to guide me through her weekly schedule, mentioning that she dedicates every single Wednesday to visiting the families under her care. Her commitment to these visits was crystal clear, as she consistently goes the extra mile to guide and support each family. With our agenda for the day set, we embarked on a journey that would offer invaluable insights into the complex world of foster care.

Our first destination was Wyandotte County, where we had the opportunity to meet several foster families. During one of our stops, we visited long-term foster parent Ms. Jeanne and her family. Ms. Jeanne has been fostering children for over 18 years and has inspired her family to join her in this noble endeavor. It has become a family tradition, with her son, sister and other extended family members opening their homes to children in need. 

It was abundantly clear how much Ms. Jeanne cared for the children in her home, as well as those who had aged out of the system. The walls of her home were decorated with uplifting messages like “You are kids, enjoy being kids,” serving as daily reminders to cherish their youth.

The stories Ms. Jeanne shared about the children she has fostered over the years painted a vivid picture of a home where every child, regardless of their background, could find a sense of belonging. She maintains contact with many of the children who are now adults, speaking with them as often as she can. 

After leaving Ms. Jeanne’s house, we continued our visits in the area. We stopped by the home of Ms. Jeanne’s son Brandon and another extended family member, Ms. Lucretia. Like Ms. Jeanne, Ms. Lucretia has been fostering for over 18 years. Together, their families provide homes for between 13 and 17 children. 

These visits are far more than just routine check-ins; they are critical moments to offer reassurance and strengthen the bonds between the children and their foster families. Beth’s approach underscored the importance of these relationships in ensuring the well-being of foster children. 

As the day came to a close, I felt a profound sense of admiration for Beth and the foster families she serves. Her unwavering dedication to providing love and stability to these children was truly inspiring. I walked away with a deeper understanding of the challenges and joys of foster care and I felt immensely grateful for the chance to witness such meaningful work up close. 

Blog written by:
Amanda Simms 
TFI Marketing Specialist