"Room in my heart and home" How one single foster mom makes it happen!

Melissa B., in the world's eyes, had it made:

A successful business woman who had a beautiful home of her own.

Vacations every year with friends or family.

 In a way, she was living the high life.

But, Melissa says she always knew there was more to her life and that she was being called to go deeper.  God had often times reminded her of this persistent feeling that she could do more.

One day, after seeing a Public Service Announcement from Childhelp, Melissa said she knew it was time to respond. "I knew I could help", Melissa told me with a confident smile. Childhelp is so glad she took the initiative to make that first call!  Melissa  first began volunteering for Childhelp...helping with foster care events and fundraising.  Then, she became a member of Childhelp's board and used her education and business influence to help make important decisions for the organization.

But, over a year ago, her commitment level took on a whole new meaning.
Melissa, after completing training to become a foster parent, took the plunge and welcomed three little girls into her home.

Change. Wow, did it take place that day! Suddenly this single, independent business woman had three little faces staring up at her and this time her role was "foster mom.".

Another title those of us at Childhelp would give her is "Superwoman"!!

Melissa took all of her business skills and organized tutoring, music classes, dance, and more. She combined that with her nurturing side and in the midst of chaos and trauma, found family...both for herself and the precious kids before her.

Melissa and girls at one of their many fun experiences..being SLIMED!

I asked Melissa what was the best part about this experience.  She replied, "Knowing I am having a positive impact on their lives - seeing them smile and watching them accomplish things!"

Melissa has given the girls experiences that are every child's dream. She has balanced the world of extra-curricular activities like a professional and each child has had an opportunity to learn, grow, and bloom where they have been planted.

When asked what was the most difficult part of this process, Melissa responded that "dealing with outbursts when their trauma was just too much for them to bear could be hurtful". But, she added,  "I've learned  not to take it personally."



Children sometimes lash out when they are stressed from all of things they have been through. Melissa has learned to help them through those vulnerable moments and together, they became family.  Melissa has embraced the girl's birth mom as well. Whether they stay forever, or return to their birth family, Melissa feels that she will always be a part of their lives.  It is clear that a bond has been established by everyone.

I asked Melissa what advice she would give to other single adults thinking about fostering.  "Just do it!", she said. "There is nothing to be afraid of. They are just kids who need love, attention, and opportunities to grow." Melissa added that she has been surprised by the amount of community support available to fostering families.  She said that in addition to the support Childhelp offers, she has found a pool of resources that has been of assistance to her.


Melissa took a chance. She followed her big heart that told her she had more to give. At Childhelp, we know of three very special girls who are glad she did.

Childhelp is so richly blessed by Melissa and other foster parents who continually say to themselves: "we can do more."

Every wound healed.  Every child, a home.

To learn how you too can become a foster parent, go to childhelptn.org