My name is Martha and I live in Weybridge, Vermont. Because I grew up in small town Vermont on my family’s beautiful farm, in Addison County, I have strong opinions on just how important community involvement is. As a result, I was inspired to apply to be a foster parent in the spring of 2012. At that time, I had three teenagers of my own, who kept me fairly busy. I had heard there was a need for more foster homes in Addison County and I wanted to help in anyway I could. I filled out paperwork, met with Department for Children and Families(DCF) and had a home visit. A few days later, I was at the DCF office meeting an adorable kiddo and her parent.
Fast forward five years, 23 children ranging from four weeks to eighteen years old, have come into my home. I’ve worked with many families and have the pleasure of staying in touch with most of them. Being a foster parent is one of the hardest but most rewarding things I’ve ever done. 2016 brought the addition of a wonderful little one and a spirited and kind teenager to our forever family. My life is full of family dinners, sports, school activities, creemees, walks and wonderment and I couldn’t be happier! Currently, I am serving as the foster parent support person for Addison County.
May is National Foster Care month!
Please consider opening your home and your heart to a local child in need. Presently, there are 73 children in foster or kinship foster families in Addison County. In order to keep children in their communities and schools and connected to their families, more foster homes are needed! When there are not enough foster homes available, children can be separated from siblings and family, friends, schools and their communities. There are many ways you can help!
Not sure you’re ready to commit to becoming a foster parent? Consider providing respite for a child in your town. Fostering is a wonderful and rewarding way to give back and make a difference in a child’s life.
If you want more information about you how you can help, please contact DCF Resource Coordinator, Laurie Mumley at 388-4660, or [email protected]