Transition-Assisting Fosters, Just-One-More Fosters
This week, our Many Faces of Fosters series continues with interviews and stories from foster parents. Find out how Michelle and Bruce are working to help their foster teen transition into adulthood, and read the story of how Andrea and Bruce expanded their family through foster care and adoption.
The same week Michelle and Bruce Noe’s youngest daughter left for college, their 15-year-old foster son moved into their home. The couple decided to wait until their three biological children were grown before they opened their hearts and their home to another. Their foster son is now 18 and continues to live with them through the young adult program. The Noes are guiding him as he transitions to adulthood. He is studying culinary arts and computer programming at East Valley Institute for Technology. He rides his electric bicycle to school and works two jobs.
Michelle Noe shared a special memory she has of their time together. Her foster son’s younger siblings were visiting for dinner. Prompted by conversation-starter cards, her foster son answered the question, “What would you do if you won a million dollars?” He said he would put more in his Roth account and give to the family’s charity. When his siblings asked what a Roth account was, he explained it was a place to put your money to grow, like having your own money tree.
Their foster son is learning about responsibility, work ethic, philanthropy, and money management. Michelle says fostering has been a rewarding experience for her family and she wishes they could do more.
She says for those who do not wish to foster, they can still help by supporting other foster families. If anyone is considering fostering, she suggests they do it.
“Even though it is hard, it is worth it. You are changing the trajectory of human life forever. If everybody can just take one, help one, we can change the world.”
Andrea and Bruce Woodmansee had three children of their own when their church asked if anyone could take in some children who had been removed from their home. The Woodmansees wanted to help, but without a foster license, they could not. They decided to get a license should a similar situation arise. Before long, a baby boy was added to their nest and they eventually adopted him. A little girl also needed fostering and when they found out she had a sister in a group home, they made room for one more. A friend asked if they could take in her granddaughter who was also in the foster system and again the Woodmansees agreed they could take in just one more. In four years of being licensed foster parents, the Woodmansees’ brood swelled to seven.
The sisters were reunited with their biological family, but with Andrea expecting, the Woodmansees’ child count will be climbing again soon.
“It was a whirlwind for sure,” Andrea says, adding that there were times it was challenging, especially having so many so close in age. “It was sibling rivalry times seven and we were trying to balance all of the needs and keep everyone happy.”
One of her daughters shared a birthday with a foster daughter. They also shared clothes and toys, and her biological daughter gave up her bedroom. Through this experience, their biological children saw the needs of other people and realized that they have the power to meet someone else’s needs.
During their stay, the foster sisters learned to play piano and performed in a recital that was attended by their biological parents. “They were really proud,” Andrea recalls. The girls were reunited with their parents and siblings. “To see them happy together again was so gratifying.”
Andrea cautions those who want to be foster parents to understand there will be challenges. “You can never be fully prepared for this. It is a roller coaster ride with a lot of ups and downs. In the end, it is worth it to see the difference you can make in someone’s life. We are glad we have done it.”
Continue reading our "Many Faces of Fosters" series here - Part 1 | Part 3Considering becoming a foster or adoptive parent? Get more information about our foster care and adoption services online or call 480-834-9424.
