After raising their own children and later housing eleven foreign exchange students over the years, the Livingstons both agreed it was time to take a break from caretaking. Helen was entering retirement and they planned to travel and simply enjoy these years. Yet, something was missing and they began to miss children in their home. Exploring options, it became clear to them that respite care might be the perfect answer.
After 15 years as foster parents, Ryan Bales and Amy Setzer-Bales have experienced their share of joys and trials. Through all of it, they have remained committed to showing unconditional love to the children in their care and to each other.
When our IIS Specialist, Amanda, began working with the Moore family, they had a long path ahead of them towards creating a safe environment for their family. But with a bit of hard work and a shift in mindset, the Moore family was able to keep their family together and build healthier habits.
David and Melissa Haehl have long had a heart for children in foster care. Melissa is the vice president and a founding member of KC Kansas Angels, a non-profit that supports children in foster care and their caretakers. Ready to begin fostering themselves, they received a call that changed their lives forever when they agreed to provide short-term foster care for a teen boy.
Stephen and Jen typically thrive despite cognitive developmental delays, but felt in over their heads after having their first child, Chloe. Lacking a support network to learn the best way to care for their baby, Chloe was removed from the home. Determined to be reunited with their child, Stephen and Jen worked with our Solution-Based Casework team to develop the tools needed to bring her home.
