What Got Them Started in Foster Care
Over four decades ago, Lucretia and Ron Morey took a leap of faith that would transform their lives and the lives of countless children. The couple had always had a deep-seated desire to make a meaningful impact on the world, and fostering presented itself as the perfect avenue. The idea of opening their hearts and home to children who needed a safe and nurturing environment resonated deeply with them.
The Moreys understood that this was not just a commitment, but a calling that required unwavering dedication. They wanted to create a space where children feel loved, safe and valued—something every child deserves, but not all are fortunate to experience.
From the beginning, the Moreys viewed fostering as more than just providing temporary shelter. They saw it as an opportunity to offer love, stability and a sense of belonging to children who had faced unimaginable hardships. They believed that every child has the potential to thrive when given the right environment and support.
Lucretia and Ron’s dedication was evident in every aspect of their fostering experience. They created a home filled with warmth, understanding and unwavering support. Their approach was holistic, focusing not only on the immediate needs of the children but also on their long-term emotional and psychological well-being.
What began as a desire to make a difference turned into a lifelong mission that would see the Moreys fostering more than 400 children. Each child who entered their home was met with open arms and open hearts, a testament to the couple’s enduring commitment to this vital cause. Their journey into foster care was a profound act of love and service, rooted in the belief that every child deserves a chance to thrive.
What Kept Their Doors Open. What is Their WHY?
Throughout their fostering journey, Lucretia and Ron found endless joy in watching the children in their care grow and succeed. Seeing these young lives flourish and transform was the greatest reward for the Morey family. Many of their former foster children went on to achieve remarkable things, becoming teachers, college professors, social workers and nurses. Many are working in nursing homes and with clients with disabilities. Knowing they played a part in helping these children build a better future filled Lucretia and Ron with a profound sense of purpose. The relationships they formed remain to this day, with some children continuing to stay in touch, and their children calling them “grandma” and “grandpa.” This ongoing connection is a beautiful reminder of the love and stability they provided, encouraging the Moreys’ to keep their doors open to future foster children.
Advice for Potential Foster Parents
Lucretia and Ron have gathered wisdom through their extensive journey and are eager to share it with those considering the path of becoming foster parents. One of the first pieces of advice they offer is to lean heavily on available resources. Foster care comes with its own challenges, and a strong support system is crucial. This means contacting family, friends and local organizations specializing in fostering. These networks can provide invaluable guidance, emotional support and practical assistance, making the journey smoother and more rewarding.
Lucretia and Ron also stress the importance of communication. They advise potential foster parents to maintain an open dialogue with everyone involved in the child’s life, including social workers, therapists, teachers and medical professionals. Keeping lines of communication open ensures that the child’s needs are met comprehensively and allows for a more cohesive and effective approach to fostering.
Another key piece of advice from the Moreys is to make sure your heart is genuinely in the right place before you start. Fostering is not just a temporary commitment; it’s a profound act of love and service that requires immense patience, understanding and dedication. They emphasize that potential foster parents should take the time to reflect deeply on their motivations and readiness. It’s crucial to fully commit to the well-being of the children in your care, recognizing that they come with their own emotional and psychological needs.
Patience is another virtue that Lucretia and Ron highlight. They remind potential foster parents that every child is different, and each one will adapt to their new environment at their own pace. Some may take longer to trust and open up, and that’s okay. The Moreys encourage new foster parents to give each child the time and space they need to feel safe and secure.
Understanding trauma is also vital. Many foster children have experienced significant emotional and psychological hardships. Lucretia and Ron recommend educating yourself about trauma and its effects on children. This knowledge can help you respond more effectively to their needs and behaviors, providing a more supportive environment for healing and growth.
Family Effort
Fostering was a journey the Morey family embraced together, relying on the collective strength and unity of their entire family. Their daughter, living just a short distance away, played a crucial role in their fostering mission. She frequently stepped in to help, providing extra care, love and support to the children in their home. This close-knit involvement created a network of love and stability, making each child feel truly cherished.
The Moreys’ commitment extended beyond just Lucretia and Ron. One of their adopted daughters was inspired by her parents’ dedication and chose to continue the legacy by adopting a baby who had been under their care. This act of love and commitment honored the values the Moreys instilled and provided a testament to the lasting impact of their fostering journey.
Each member of the Morey family played a part, whether through direct care or offering emotional support, demonstrating the power of collective effort in creating a nurturing home. The involvement of their extended family ensured that every child felt the embrace of a broader community, fostering a sense of inclusivity and love that extended beyond the immediate household.
In the Morey household, fostering was never just about providing a roof over someone’s head. It was about enveloping children in a world of love, support and unity, showing them what being part of a family means. This collective effort highlighted the beauty of coming together to create a safe haven where every child felt valued and loved.
A Common Misconception About Kids in Foster Care
When asked what a common misconception about children in foster care is, Lucretia said, “Kids are not bad, they come from bad situations.” She emphasized the idea that people have that kids in care are bad, but from her 42 years of experience, she said that it is never the child and always the situation they came from.
Message to ALL Children Welcomed Into Their Home
To every child who found refuge in their home, the Moreys have a heartfelt message: “We are proud of you. You have overcome hardships that most cannot understand.” Lucretia and Ron admire the courage and resilience displayed by each child who crossed their threshold. They understand that many of these children have faced adversities that most people can’t even imagine, yet they have continued to move forward, showing remarkable strength and spirit.
In their home, the Moreys created a space where every child was encouraged to dream, grow and believe in themselves. They provided a physical shelter and an environment rich with love, understanding and unwavering support. Every child who walked through their doors was met with open hearts and a commitment to helping them find a path to healing and happiness.
The Moreys also emphasized the importance of self-worth and self-love. They taught the children to see their own value, understand that they deserved kindness and respect, and believe that they could achieve great things. Lucretia and Ron aimed to instill confidence and hope in every child through their consistent support and positive reinforcement.
Their message to each child is one of unconditional love and unwavering belief in their abilities. “We believe in you,” they would say, “and we are here for you, always.” This enduring support was not just for the time the children spent in their home but extended into the future, letting them know that they always had a place to return to, a family that cared deeply for them.
The legacy of love and support that Lucretia and Ron have built is a testament to their dedication and compassion. Their message to every child is a reminder that they are seen, valued, and cherished and possess the strength to overcome any obstacle and build a bright future.
