On July 11th of last year, my husband and I embarked on a trip to California to celebrate our 40th birthdays. It was a long-awaited vacation that we had meticulously planned for years. We had taken care of all the necessary foster care arrangements, informing our caseworker and support worker well in advance and receiving their approval to leave our daughter, who was still technically in foster care despite her biological mother consenting to termination of parental rights, in the care of her brothers and my parents. We boarded the plane without a worry in the world, filled with joy for this much-needed time together.

Unexpected Challenges:

However, just 2.5 days into our trip, everything took an unexpected turn. I received a call from our social worker asking about our vacation plans and mentioning the need to clear up some details with their supervisor before we left. It caught us completely off guard, and panic set in. I remember responding with disbelief, saying, “Um, I’m literally staring at the Golden Gate Bridge right now.” My social worker kindly reassured me not to panic and asked a few questions, even though we had already answered them weeks before. We thought that would be the end of it.

A Devastating Blow:

As my husband and I drove from the Golden Gate Bridge to Muir Woods, hoping to continue our trip, I received another call, this time from the social work supervisor. They informed us that there had been a “gross miscommunication” and that we needed to come home immediately, canceling the remaining part of our trip. My heart sank, and I couldn’t hold back the tears. We felt utterly helpless, angry, and deeply saddened. Despite doing everything we were supposed to do and receiving approval, we were still facing this ordeal. It was a devastating blow.

Seeking Support:

Long story short, after a series of calls and meetings between us in California and the Department of Children and Families in Connecticut, it was determined that we could continue with the last portion of our trip and return home as originally scheduled. However, that night became one of the longest and most emotionally challenging moments of my foster care journey.

The Power of Community:

Sitting in California with my husband, I knew what I had to do to find solace and be able to sleep that night. I hopped on the Fearless Fostering Marco Polo and shared the unfolding situation with my foster mama besties. In that vulnerable moment, they were the ones I felt comfortable sharing with. Within minutes, I received an outpouring of responses from these amazing women—comforting me, praying for me, and validating that what we were experiencing was unbelievable and frustratingly unfair. I couldn’t help but think, “You can’t make this stuff up. Foster care can be so incredibly challenging!” Their support, understanding, and empathy meant the world to me. They became my lifeline, just as I had been for them countless times before.

The Reason for Fearless Fostering:

That night solidified my belief that every foster mama deserves a strong support system like the one I found in my Fearless Fostering community. No one should have to face the unique trials of foster care alone. That’s precisely why I created the Fearless Fostering Group Coaching program—to provide foster mamas with the support, guidance, and understanding that they deserve.

Empowering Foster Mamas:

In this coaching program, we dive deep into communication, self-care, resilience, and navigating the complexities of foster care. It’s a safe space where foster mamas can come together, share their experiences, and learn effective strategies to overcome the challenges they encounter daily. We believe in the power of community, in lifting each other up, and in empowering foster mamas to be the best they can be for the children they care for.

Join the Fearless Fostering Community:

If you’ve ever felt the weight of foster care on your shoulders, if you’ve experienced moments of frustration, sadness, or confusion, know that you don’t have to carry it alone. Join my Fearless Fostering Group Coaching program, and you’ll find a tribe of amazing women who understand your journey and are ready to walk alongside you. Together, we can navigate the ups and downs of foster care, provide the support we all need, and make a lasting impact on the lives of the incredible children in our care.

Take that leap of faith and join the Fearless Fostering waitlist today to learn more. As a special thank you for trusting me with your foster care journey you’ll receive $200 off when you secure your spot. Let’s create a foster care community where no mama feels alone—because we all deserve support like that.