The Start of Fall: A Season of Change

As fall begins (September 22,) foster families are faced with many new opportunities. The new school year can be overwhelming for children who may be adjusting to new environments, routines, and relationships. Foster parents play a key role in offering the stability and support needed to help children navigate these transitions.

At the same time, fall provides moments for family bonding. The following activities can make children feel more at home with the transition into the new fall season:

1. Pumpkin picking
2. Baking fall treats
3. Nature walks
4. Cozy movie nights

These simple traditions create a sense of connection and belonging for children in care throughout the transition.

For foster parents, fall is also a time of reflection. While balancing the needs of their foster children with their own can be challenging, the season’s focus on change and growth serves as a reminder of the importance of patience, love, and resilience.

Nebraska

Michelle became a kinship home for a teenager in July of 2023. The male teen was on respite at her home, visiting her sister. The male teen enjoyed the week at Michelle’s home so much that he said he would like to move in with her. READ MORE HERE

Oklahoma

James and Rikki Geck have been foster parents with TFI since 2016. Over the years, the Gecks have fostered multiple children in their home, many in which were reintegrated with their biological families. The Gecks have also welcomed two adopted children into their family, and they are in the process of adopting their adopted child’s sister as well. READ MORE HERE

Kansas

Patrick and Angel Brazeal helped and supported a 15-year-old boy reintegrating with his mother on July 8th, and later that day accepted a sibling group of two brothers who needed emergency respite through the weekend. The boys ended up needing long term placement due to not being able to return to their previous placement. Angel and Patrick accepted them both long term. READ MORE HERE

Texas

Nicholas and Katie Simons are a newly licensed foster family. They received their license this past August and are eager to foster and adopt children and provide a loving home. They had their first child placed on September 6th.   READ MORE HERE

Recruitment Corner

Our Texas recruiter will be all over the state this month, and she loves when foster parents join her in recruiting! On September 10, she was at the Montague County Foster Parent Recruitment Fair in Bowie. From September 17-21, she will be a TFI vendor at the Texas/Oklahoma Fair in Wichita Falls. Then, she will be at the Foster Parent/CASA Agency Fair in Graham on September 23. Lastly, she will have a booth at the Fall Market in Wichita Falls on September 27-28. Come out and join Traci at one of these events to share the need for more foster homes in Texas!

In Kansas, our recruiter will be set up at the Labor Day in Kiowa festival.

Our Oklahoma families are joining in recruitment efforts by doing radio interviews with Stillwater Radio about being foster parents with TFI, encouraging others to become foster parents. We love children and families, and we have also joined a collaboration with other agencies and DHS in Oklahoma to spread awareness and work through the foster care crisis.

Join us in our mission to be devoted to the strength of family in Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas. We need more foster parents nationwide, and we want to spread awareness and serve children and families with excellence!