Theresa and Jerome Howard are part of OhioGuidestone’s Foster Care Program, specifically for children considered medically fragile, where the need for parents is greatest. “We are parents of 11 children,” Theresa says. The first six are biological, and we have fostered to adopt five. Plus we are foster parents to two new placements: a one-year-old boy and a five-year-old girl.” OhioGuidestone’s Director of Foster Care Debora Gault says it takes a rare kind of person to foster children who are considered medically fragile.
“We look for an adult who is especially kind and patient, ideally having some experience with disabilities, but more importantly, someone who is willing to learn how to provide the best life possible for children who have special needs.”
Jerome and Theresa give their family a 10-out-of-10 on a happiness scale, saying each one of their children is kind, loving and empathetic.
“Our day begins like many other families,” Theresa says. “At 5:45am, we are up and getting ready for school, dressed, with breakfast and meds, then any special care that needs to be done, and on the first bus by 7.” The last bus picks up at 8:05am, leaving the couple enough time to clean up, run errands, attend meetings, and doctor visits, then get ready for in-home physical therapy, snacks, dinner, and the nighttime routine of baths, treatments, meds, and bed.
The couple credits OhioGuidestone foster support for the training, resources, and community necessary to create a home where children can become the best version of themselves.
“The greatest reward is watching each child surpass the expected physical, medical and or psychological goals that were set for them,” Theresa says. Jerome adds” We have learned to never underestimate these kiddos. When placed in a safe nurturing environment, miracles happen-we have seen them.”
The Howards urge anyone considering becoming a foster parent to contact OhioGuidestone, saying love and an open mind are the only skills you need, OhioGuidestone will help with the rest.
