Foster care plays a vital role in supporting birth families by offering resources like parenting…
By Nicole Chandler, Senior Program Director, Foster Care to Permanency
As we enter the season of Thanksgiving, I cannot help but reflect on how deeply grateful I am for our foster families. Every single one of you embodies compassion, flexibility, and selflessness in a way that inspires everyone at Children’s Home Society of North Carolina (CHS).
We truly have the best foster parents! You come from all walks of life and bring your own strengths, experiences, and heart to the children you care for. That diversity is one of our greatest strengths because every child’s story is different. You help meet them exactly where they are—with patience, love, and understanding.
I am always amazed by the range of families who open their homes. Some of you care for little ones who need structure and nurturing. Others welcome sibling groups so brothers and sisters can stay together. And some of you open your hearts to teenagers, an age group that is sometimes overlooked.
I always tell my foster parent training classes: teenagers can be incredible to work with. They can tell you what they need, what they are feeling, and what helps them most. That communication is such a gift. Each age group brings its own challenges and rewards, but every “yes” you give makes a difference.
Being a foster parent is truly a calling. It is not something everyone can do, and that is okay. But for those who are called, it is one of the most selfless and impactful things anyone can do. You do not always know what to expect when a new child arrives. Some days are calm; others are chaos. Yet, you show up every single day with compassion and commitment. That kind of steady love changes lives.
Our team learns so much from you. When we visit homes, we might come with information or updates, but we often leave with lessons of our own, such as how you handled a tough day, found a creative solution, or celebrated a small win. You remind us what resilience looks like.
Flexibility is another quality we are deeply thankful for. You never know when that phone call will come, sometimes at 11:00 p.m. or 2:00 a.m., asking if you can take in a child who needs safety and care. You juggle school enrollments, doctor visits, therapy appointments, DSS meetings, and home visits, all while managing work and family life. Many of your employers support you along the way, and we are grateful for that, too.
As Thanksgiving approaches, I encourage you to meet the children in your care exactly where they are. Some have never experienced a Thanksgiving meal or a big family gathering. What feels familiar to you may be brand new to them. Keep your expectations light, focus on connection over perfection, and create a calm space where they feel safe and seen.
We are profoundly thankful for you. Thank you for your patience, flexibility, and the unwavering love you show every day. You are helping children and teens find stability, belonging, and hope, and there is no greater gift than that.
From all of us at CHS, thank you for being the heart of what we do.
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