The Stratton Family

Hello,

     The reason we started in foster care, for me (Anite), I myself was taken into foster care as a teenager and even though it was a very rough time there was this wonderful woman, my foster mom Joan, who took me in no questions asked, and treated me with respect. She showed me who I really was deep in side, and that I wasn't "all bad", as many adults had told me. As I became an adult and my life was stable, I sat down with my husband Tony and told him how i wanted to do the same for other children. We discussed it for a while and agreed that this was exactly where we wanted to head with our lives. The rest is history some 12 years later we are still working with kids, mostly teenage girls at this point. We both enjoy working directly with the birth families in our home helping them to rediscover themselves so they can move on as a family, together.

     What we love most about foster parenting is learning from each child that comes into our lives, and believe me you do and will learn from every single one that you have the privilege to meet. Also, knowing that our hearts become a little bit fuller with each one.

     To be totally honest there are way to many wonderful memories to just note a few, but I guess if I must I would say the days of each adoption, when the judge says to the children and our families you are now another Stratton family member, in so many words that is, the smile on those kids faces are just priceless.

     Now down to who is in our family well lets see, Tony, (the dad) Anite (me the mom), Sarahann 18 (the bio daughter) Michele 20 (adopted and now living on her own with my very first granddaughter Aubrianna Chaylin 8 months ) Elisha 18 (Michele's bio sister also adopted), Joanna 19 (adopted and currently out on her own) her bio sister Dacey 17 (adopted) and the only boy in the family at this time Shawn age 4 (almost 5) and the many other kiddos/moms we have had in our homes for which we either see or get calls from or letters letting us know how they are doing and staying connected to us as a part of their family. Oh and not to forget the wonderful family pets 2 dogs Auzzie and Gizmo, two cats Squeaker and Velcro, and the fish who seems to live forever.

The Currier Family

Hello,

     We are the Curriers and we love kids. We are so happy that we have adopted our little man here. We started out in foster care because we had one child and we wanted to have more children. Also there was a desire for us to do something for the kids and families in need.

     What we love most about fostering are the kids! Having the kids around keeps us young. The children that we have worked with are amazing. I also love the fact that I can be a stay at home parent. I've thoroughly enjoyed being home with the children. Another great thing about kids is that they keep you honest and on your toes at all times. You realize that you are responsible for a child and have to do the right thing for the child. They know when you're faking, and they will call you on it.

     Some of my greatest moments are working with my team. Community Care has a great support network for my family and me. We love working hard with our team. We were very successful with one little girl that we worked extremely hard to help her to reunify with her father. They are doing great.

     Our neighborhood is quiet and safe, and people are friendly and nice. Some of our funniest moment are just grocery shopping or going for a ride. We also love to ride horses and sometimes just hanging out together around the table together. Meal times are fun and we are really silly. Sometimes we just go outside and play.