My husband and I have been foster parents in Onondaga County for several years. Our journey began after hearing the heartfelt story of a 16-year-old child in care who shared the challenges and hardships he faced. Through my work in early intervention, I gained deeper insight into the lives of families involved in the foster system, including both kinship and traditional foster homes. This experience showed us the critical need for support, and we knew fostering was something we could do.

Over the last four years, we have welcomed numerous children into our home, each leaving a profound impact on our lives. We’ve experienced it all; devastating losses, the joy of reunifications and we are now in the process of adopting. My passion for foster care has only grown stronger with time, and I felt called to do more. Foster Hope New York has become a vital part of my life, and I am deeply committed to its mission. I’m incredibly excited to see how the organization continues to grow and make a difference!

A NOTE FROM OUR FOUNDER

I remember when Laura first started coming to our support groups. It was immediately evident that Laura had her children’s best interest in the front of her mind at all times. I quickly became aware of her enthusiasm for making changes within the foster care system, and it wasn’t long before she became more involved in the work Foster Hope was doing. This past fall, Laura became our Foster Closet director and got to work securing the largest number of donations we have received to date. (We are still trying to figure out where to put everything.) She puts great care and passion into each care bag that leaves our door, ensuring that each child receives the essentials they need.

Laura also works part time as an occupational therapist, has two foster sons under the age of five, and is due to give birth any day now. She has her hands full! We truly value and appreciate all that she has put into this organization!

Meet Laura, our Foster Closet Director!