Meet Some of Our Hero Foster Parents

Each month, we highlight the everyday heroes who open their homes and hearts to children in need. 

March 2026: Foster Parent of the Month

This month we would like to recognize Kristy! Our work wouldn’t be possible without foster parents like Kristy. Today, we’re honored to highlight someone whose kindness and commitment truly inspire us.

Kristy has been a dedicated foster parent with Anu Family Services since 2023, opening her home and heart to teen boys - youth who are often the hardest to find placements for. Kristy excels at building and maintaining strong connections with biological families, ensuring youth remain connected to their parents, siblings, grandparents, and even previous placements whenever possible. Kristy understands that fostering isn’t just about providing a home—it’s about preserving relationships, building trust, and showing up, again and again.

We asked Kristy one question: “What is your favorite part about fostering?”

 Here is what she had to say: “When asked what my favorite thing about foster care is, I had a hard time coming up with one. Being a foster parent is the hardest thing I have ever done and also the most rewarding. I knew going into it that being a single parent of teen boys would be difficult. Taking on teens who have not felt safe or loved was going to be a challenge in itself, which leads me to the answer to my favorite thing about fostering. My boys, whether they are in my home anymore or not, know that I am their security. They know that they can call me anytime to talk. My boys have told me that my house is the first time they have felt safe and loved. The hard exterior of my boys will crack, and I will see the soft heart of the little boys who were hurt so long ago. Getting to that place with teen boys takes a lot of time and sarcasm, and it is the best part about fostering. Knowing that my boys have felt safety, security, and love for the first time in their lives, and that healing is taking place, is my absolute favorite thing.”

Thank you, Kristy, for providing a safe and loving home that allows youth to heal and feel safety and security.

February 2026: Foster Parents of the Month

This month, we would like to recognize Malissa and Randy.

Malissa and Randy began their foster care journey in 2013 and have since opened their home to dozens of children. Known for their deep compassion and genuine commitment, they work tirelessly to ensure every child who enters their home feels safe, valued, and supported. Along the way, they have also grown their family through the adoption of three beautiful children.

Today, Malissa and Randy continue to foster with the same dedication and heart that first inspired them more than a decade ago. They advocate for the needs of children in care, partner closely with social workers and biological families, and encourage others to consider getting involved.

If you are interested in fostering, supporting foster families, or learning more about the foster care process, Malissa and Randy’s story is a wonderful reminder that one family truly can make a profound difference. Their journey shows that with love, patience, and community, every child can be given the chance to thrive.

On behalf of our team and the children whose lives you have touched, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Malissa and Randy for their unwavering dedication to fostering. Your kindness, patience, and willingness to step in during moments when children need it most are nothing short of inspiring.

January 2026: Foster Parents of the Month
Halle and Kayden have been licensed foster parents with Anu since 2020. During their time as licensed foster parents, Kayden and Halle have worked with a multitude of different youth & despite challenges, they have remained steadfast in providing a wonderful, loving home environment. Kayden and Halle go above and beyond to include bio families in all the youth’s care needs and are willing to do whatever it takes to support permanency. We’re so grateful to have Halle and Kayden as part of the Anu Family Services community. Their dedication, kindness, and genuine love for the kids they care for shine through in everything they do.

December 2025: Foster Parens of the Month

Kelsey and Jake began their fostering journey in June 2025 - and what a few months it has been! From the very start, Kelsey and Jake came to us with open hearts and a genuine commitment to supporting family reunification whenever possible, while also being open to growing their own family through adoption. In just a short time, they have already welcomed two youth into their home, bringing warmth, consistency, and a whole lot of love into their daily lives.

Kelsey and Jake make kids feel truly seen and cared for. Whether it’s helping with homework, staying connected with teachers, exploring their community together, or keeping youth connected to their biological families, they show up fully and wholeheartedly. They handle the ups and downs of fostering with so much patience, grace, and understanding — and they naturally bring a trauma-informed mindset into everything they do.

As a couple, Kelsey and Jake make a strong team. They complement each other in ways that create a home filled with stability, kindness, and a sense of fun. And to make their year even more special, they got married this October!

We’re so grateful to have Kelsey and Jake as part of the Anu Family Services community. Their dedication, kindness, and genuine love for the kids they care for shine through in everything they do.

November 2025: Foster Parents of the Month
Krista and Bill first became licensed with Anu in 2019. Krista and Bill are truly remarkable foster parents who bring so many wonderful qualities to their role. They're filled with empathy, perseverance, and stability, making a genuine difference in the lives of their foster youth. They listen attentively, show endless patience, and provide a consistent foundation that children can rely on. When challenges arise, they adapt with grace, always understanding that children in care may express their feelings through challenging behaviors. What’s more, Krista and Bill love spending time together, and they always make sure their foster youth feels included in all their adventures. They are loving and accepting, honest and fair, calm, and above all, incredibly patient and understanding of what their foster youth need. They're truly making the world a brighter place!

September 2025: Foster Parent of the Month

This month, we would like to recognize Raven. Raven became a foster parent with Anu in 2017. She is an extraordinary caregiver who works seamlessly with biological families, offering compassionate support that consistently goes above and beyond expectations. She has adopted two children of her own and continues to open her heart and home, thoughtfully adjusting her space to welcome large sibling groups so they can remain together. Her commitment to keeping families connected is matched only by her kindness and dedication. In recognition of her outstanding devotion, Raven received the Governor’s Award for Outstanding Adoptive Parent in 2023, an honor that reflects the tremendous impact she makes in the lives of children and families every day.

Thank you, Raven, for being such a strong advocate for children in out-of-home care.