Stefani always knew she wanted to foster, but this desire wasn’t what actually brought her into fostering. She shared, “In 2013, I met the most amazing little girl, Amie, while working at a residential treatment center. I supported and visited her through the years, and when she was eventually reunited with her bio mom, I continued to see her until her bio mom stopped allowing visits. Around this time, her mom was not doing well. CPS became involved again, and she was removed. Amie voiced that she wanted to live with me, so CPS gave me a call, and she moved in. When her sister, who had run away from her foster home, learned that Amie had moved into our house, she turned herself in and CPS asked if she could come stay with us overnight. We ended up falling in love with her as well. Shortly after, their 6-year-old sister’s foster parents asked if we would consider adopting her, and when things were good with our oldest girls, we talked and decided to move forward. My husband and I know this was God’s plan and feel so thankful to have the most beautiful, amazing girls as our daughters!”
Stefani and her family were matched in the Love Box program in January 2019. Their youngest daughter had been matched with Love Box leader Catherine at her previous foster placement, and Catherine reached out in hopes of getting to serve the entire family through the Love Box program. Stefani wasn’t sure what to expect, but wanted her girls to have as much support as possible. Since then, Stefani and her husband have felt supported and loved through their foster care journey, have gained faithful friends, and their children even get along and hang out too!
Stefani says, “I’m shy at first normally, but it was so easy to open up and let this family in. They are so amazing and loving. I have gained so much support: mentally, emotionally, and spiritually! Our Love Box family goes above and beyond for our family! Our girls feel so loved and special, as do my husband and I! Words cannot express how much they mean to us and how grateful we are."
"I INITIALLY DON’T THINK I WAS AWARE OF HOW TRULY AMAZING THIS PROGRAM IS AND HOW BIG OF A DIFFERENCE OUR VOLUNTEER FAMILY WOULD MAKE IN OUR LIVES!"
"They are absolute angels! It has been such a good reminder of how good people exist, and it has helped me to open up and trust people again, as I’ve experienced my own trauma. I know parenting isn’t something you need to do alone–It takes a village, and I’m so glad Catherine and her family are a part of ours!
We love fishing, going out to eat, playing at the park, etc.! We have fun doing just about anything with our Love Box family. The Powers have gone above and beyond. They have even set up to gift a car to my oldest to help her as she just got her license and is preparing to start working. But the best thing about our Love box family is their love for God and others. You can see their heart and love for others shine through their eyes and how they interact with others. I literally look up to Catherine! She is one of the best people we have EVER met!”
