By the Wood’s Homes Foster Care Team
October is Foster Parent Appreciation Month, the time of year when we get to celebrate the hard work and dedication that foster parents display every day. The Foster Care Network of families at Wood’s Homes is made up of diverse cultures, each with its own unique style. Yet, they all share the same collective goal: to provide a safe and secure home to children in need of someone to listen, support, and care for them during a vulnerable time in their lives.
On October 23, 2024, we gathered for a special dinner to honour these remarkable families. The night was filled with laughter, shared stories, and heartfelt gratitude. As a team, we reflected on the incredible work our foster families do and expressed our deep appreciation. It was a joyful reminder that their impact is immeasurable, and one message echoed throughout the night: we couldn’t do this without them – because it truly takes a village to raise a child.
Foster, in the simplest of terms, means to promote growth or development. Therapeutic refers to treating or curing a condition. Together, these words take on profound meaning: treating another while promoting their growth and development. Putting this meaning into action is a heavy responsibility—one that our families take on with grace, time and time again. It is not an easy task, nor is it always recognized. The children in their care may struggle to express appreciation, so as foster care support workers, it is our job to give them a voice when they feel unheard.
There is often a misconception that foster parents are mental health professionals tasked with “fixing” the children in their care. While they work on important skills, behavioural challenges, and education, it’s the small things they do that have the greatest impact. From providing a stable home and nourishing meals to welcoming birth families into celebrations, these gestures leave a lasting impression. The children themselves put it best:
“Giving me a safe place to live.”
“I have my own room – I’ve never had my own room before.”
“I am grateful for the food and for all the activities they keep us involved in.”
“They let my family come over for different parties. They care about my grandparents as much as I do.”
It takes a very special person to be a foster parent. Welcoming the unfamiliar and embracing a child with their own story is a remarkable gift. Fostering comes with its challenges, but the commitment to providing a safe, stable, and loving home is inspiring to those who witness it. Foster parents don’t just provide shelter—they offer hope, guidance, and a sense of belonging.
“I love my foster mom; she is the sweetest person, and she looks after us well. I am grateful for all she does for us. She grounds us and always checks in on me and asks me how I am feeling.”
The foster parents we support are like magicians, bringing wonder and joy into the lives of children. From dream vacations to exciting recreational activities, birthday blowouts, and reconnecting with their cultural roots, these families create meaningful experiences for children who might not otherwise have such opportunities. Their dedication provides the foundation children need to grow emotionally and physically, offering a safe space to be themselves and thrive.
Our families come from every background, but they all share one purpose: to provide safety, love, and stability to children who have experienced trauma and cannot live with their guardians. These children are often scared and unsure of what to expect, but the compassion of our foster families helps them feel secure, welcome, and supported.
The spirit of caring for children has been at the heart of Wood’s Homes since the very beginning. In 1914, after personal tragedy brought Reverend George Wood to Alberta, he opened his home to children whose parents were unable to care for them. Since the 1990s, Wood’s Homes has formally provided care for children and young people in need of safe, supportive environments outside of their biological families. This legacy of compassion continues today through our foster families, who help create new beginnings for children by offering them a stable and loving home.
Everything mentioned here is just the tip of the iceberg. The daily support, healing, and encouragement shown by our foster parents make all the difference. Without them, there would be no growth, no hope, and no future for the children they care for. Foster parents truly are the stars of the show.
