Powered By Purpose: Celebrating Sarah Waddill
After a Decade of Supporting Families, a Texas Child Welfare Professional Found Herself Living the Journey She Had Guided Others Through for Years
(September 2026) BOWIE, Tex.– During Child Welfare Workforce Month, TFI Family Services (TFI) is recognizing the professionals whose experience, compassion and commitment strengthen Kansas children and families.
While the impact of child welfare work is often measured through outcomes and services, the people behind that work are the heart of the profession. One of the individuals who brings their purpose to the work they do is Sarah Waddill, Permanency Case Manager.
Waddill’s Kinship Journey
For more than 10 years, Sarah Waddill has helped children and families navigate some of life’s most challenging moments. As a child welfare professional, she has sat beside parents during court hearings, supported kinship caregivers, advocated for children in need of stability and worked with families pursuing permanency. But recently, Sarah’s role shifted in a way she never expected. She went from explaining the process to families to living it herself.
When a three-month-old child entered her life through a kinship placement, the professional language she had used for years suddenly became personal. Terms like “placement,” “home study,” “court hearing,” and “best interest” were no longer case management terminology. They became part of her everyday life.
As she embraced the responsibilities of caring for a young child through kinship placement, Sarah faced a difficult but clear decision. To give her family and the child in her care the time and attention they deserved, she stepped away from her supervisory position and transitioned into a Permanency Case Manager role.
“It wasn’t a decision about leaving the work,” Waddill said. “It was about making sure I could be fully present for the people who need me most right now while continuing to serve children and families in a meaningful way.”
Waddill’s Belief and Purpose
“Every child deserves someone who notices, someone who stays and someone willing to advocate for them,” Waddill said. “I’ve always believed that. Now I get the privilege of living it both professionally and personally.”
Waddill believes child welfare is about more than services, court hearings or case plans. It’s about people. It’s about recognizing potential, creating stability and helping children feel safe and supported. Most of all, it’s about showing up.
“Sarah is exceptionally kind, and caring for others” said Hiedi Stoll, Director of Permanency. She shows how faith can bring you through easy, and hard, times and never waivers.”
Waddill Today
“I’ve always believed in supporting families with compassion and dignity,” Waddill said. “Now I have an even greater appreciation for what families carry while navigating this system. Sometimes they’re making huge decisions while dealing with uncertainty, exhaustion and fear. Experiencing that firsthand has changed me in the best possible way.”
Waddill is just one of the many impactful stories child welfare professionals have on children and families across the Texoma region every day. Whether supporting families, advocating for children, coordinating services, or building community connections, these professionals help create pathways toward stability, safety and hope.
To learn more about a career supporting others in need, visit www.2ingage.org/careers/.
# # #
2INgage is the Community-Based Care contractor serving children and families across Region 2. Through collaboration with community partners, foster and adoptive families and child welfare professionals, 2INgage works to ensure children are safe, connected and supported while helping families achieve stability and permanency.
