Travis’s Background
Travis Wackerly’s journey into child welfare began with a strong desire to make a difference in the lives of children and families. Growing up in a community where helping others was a core value, he developed a deep appreciation for service and the impact it could have on people’s lives. With experience in other roles that required building connections and fostering trust, Travis found himself drawn to the mission of creating safe, nurturing environments for children who need it most.
When he first learned about foster care recruitment, he saw an opportunity to use his skills to bridge the gap between children in need and families willing to open their homes. His background in working with people from all walks of life gave him the confidence to take on this challenging yet rewarding role. Travis knew the importance of finding individuals and families who cared deeply about children and had the resilience to navigate the complexities of foster care.
Over time, Travis discovered that this line of work required more than just finding placements for children; it demanded patience, empathy and a willingness to adapt. He credits his family and personal experiences for helping him understand the importance of these qualities
From his early days in the field, Travis immersed himself in learning about the foster care system, speaking with experienced colleagues and listening to the stories of foster parents and children. For Travis, child welfare is not just a career. It is a calling driven by the knowledge that every step he takes contributes to the well-being of children who deserve love and stability.
Defining Moment in His Career
Travis recalls a moment when he realized the importance of connection and learning from others in his field. He found that collaborating with agencies and attending recruiter meetings offered valuable opportunities to grow both personally and professionally. These interactions allowed him to exchange ideas, gain new perspectives, and build relationships that strengthened his ability to find supportive foster families.
Through these experiences, Travis came to appreciate how every conversation could spark new insights or opportunities. At events, he engaged with potential foster parents, answering questions and sharing stories about the joys and challenges of fostering. For him, these events were more than just a platform to recruit—they were a chance to highlight the critical role foster parents play in providing stability and love for children in need.
One particular event stood out to Travis when he spoke with a couple who had been considering fostering for years but felt unsure about whether they were ready. After spending time listening to their concerns and sharing how the process worked, the couple decided to take the first step toward becoming licensed foster parents. Witnessing their excitement and determination reinforced for Travis the significance of his role in guiding families through what can sometimes feel like an overwhelming process.
Travis also realized that his ability to remain authentic and empathetic during these interactions was key to forming genuine connections. Whether it was at a large community gathering or during a one-on-one conversation, he noticed how people responded to his sincerity and openness. These moments helped him see the ripple effect of his work, as one interaction could inspire someone to make a life-changing decision to foster. For Travis, the connections he built through collaboration and outreach reaffirmed his commitment to child welfare and the transformative impact it can have on children and families.
A Story He Will Never Forget
Travis shared a memorable story about his son, who initially disliked attending church and often complained about it. One day, however, his son began looking forward to Wednesday classes. Intrigued by this sudden change, Travis and his wife decided to meet with the class teacher. During their conversation, they learned that the teacher had ADHD and connected with their son on a personal level, offering an understanding approach that made the experience enjoyable for him.
Two weeks later, the teacher approached Travis with an interest in fostering. Inspired by his work and motivated by his own ability to connect with children who may face similar challenges, the teacher and his wife began the process to become licensed foster parents. They remodeled their home to meet the requirements and completed all necessary steps to open their doors to children in need.
The teacher’s journey to fostering stood out to Travis because it illustrated how a genuine connection can spark meaningful action. The teacher’s personal experiences allowed him to see the importance of providing a supportive environment for children, and his decision to take that step into fostering demonstrated his commitment to making a difference.
What Keeps Travis Motivated
A key motivator for Travis is seeing people he connects with take meaningful steps to support children in need. Witnessing families open their hearts and homes reinforces his belief in the impact of his work. Knowing that even a single conversation or connection can inspire someone to become a foster parent is a powerful reminder of why he continues to put his heart into what he does, no matter the obstacles he encounters.
Advice For Those Wanting to Get Into Child Welfare
“Child welfare is a field that demands compassion, dedication and resilience. For those considering this path, it’s important to recognize that every effort, no matter how small it may seem, has the potential to create a meaningful impact on a child’s life,” Wackerly said.
Travis encourages individuals to approach this work with an open heart and a willingness to learn from each experience, whether it’s a success or a challenge.
One of the keys to thriving in this field is building strong relationships. Travis emphasizes the importance of connecting with children, families and colleagues, as these relationships form the foundation for meaningful change. He advises new professionals to listen closely to the needs and concerns of the families they work with, as well as to seek advice from experienced peers who can provide valuable guidance and support.
It’s also essential to understand that this work can be emotionally demanding. Travis recommends developing healthy ways to manage stress and maintain balance, as these habits help sustain long-term commitment. He highlights the value of staying grounded in the mission of child welfare and finding motivation in the positive outcomes that result from dedicated efforts.
Travis believes patience and adaptability are crucial in this field. Each situation is unique, and the ability to respond with understanding and flexibility can make all the difference. Child welfare professionals often face unexpected challenges, and it is vital to view these moments as opportunities for growth.
Travis also suggests focusing on progress rather than perfection. Mistakes are part of the learning process, and the willingness to grow from them strengthens one’s ability to make a lasting impact. By staying present and continuing to develop their skills, those in child welfare can navigate the complexities of the work while keeping their purpose at the forefront.
Finally, Travis encourages new professionals to remain hopeful and inspired by the change they can bring about. Even on the hardest days, remembering the children and families who have been positively affected by their work can reignite their passion and remind them of the significance of their role. Pursuing a career in child welfare requires dedication, but the difference it makes in the lives of others is worth every effort.
We are so blessed to have a front row seat to watch her transform the lives of the families that we serve!
