Gloria and Tiny Smith started doing foster care over 20 years ago because of a boy that Tiny met at the local Boys and Girls Club. The teen wasn’t getting the attention that he needed at home and they could tell he needed some extra help.

The Smith’s opened their home to him (just informally, not as Foster Parents) and he stayed with their family for the entire summer. He didn’t want to leave because he said that if he went home he would probably end up in foster care.

This situation made the Smith’s decide to become licensed foster parents – because they experienced first hand children who have been neglected – and realized how they couldn’t ignore this need.

“I think Matt and I realize we have the ability to make positive changes in a child’s life and while foster care is not necessarily an easy road it is an area of our lives where we feel a tremendous responsibility. Each kiddo is exceptional and extraordinary and will no doubt touch our hearts. Every child deserves safety and security but they also need unconditional love and we have a lot of that to give out (plus three rowdy boys ready to play).”

“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard” -Winnie the Pooh

Brian and Tiffaney Hackley have fostered for 3 ½ years. They have three son’s ages 21, 8, and 5 and have have fostered adopted a daughter who is medically fragile. Bryan is 15 Years active duty Army and Tiffaney is a Lifestyle Blogger who works from home.

The Hackleys love and encourage every child that comes to their home. Their time with Kids Crossing has been a great source of learning as it has expanded their knowledge and training to better serve the children and Bio Parents involved.

Pictured from Front Left to Right: Patti, Ta’Nasia, Amanda, Derek, Desmond, Amelia & Peter.

“If you are willing to risk heartbreak, the rewards are unimaginable,” states Patti Svendsen.

Patti and her husband, Peter, have had the privilege of providing foster care for over 145 children in the past 26 years. Patti defines one of her “rewards” as she tells the story of Jeremiah (front right, pictured in Summer 2005), who was placed with the Svendsen’s at birth, only given 2 months to live. Jeremiah surprised everyone, living until he was 13 years old and passing away in December of 2005. Although his passing was full of heartbreak, his life was a joy.