How Fostering Led Melanie to Her Forever Family

When Melanie decided to become a foster parent, it wasn’t part of a long‑laid plan—it was a moment shaped by loss and reflection. After her mother passed away and she found herself living alone, Melanie felt a quiet but powerful pull toward something more: "My cousin had been a foster parent, and I was always so close to that process, that type of family. After I lost my mom, I thought to myself: it’s time.”

Jamia was Melanie's first adoption. With guardianship of Jeremiah, Jamia now has a sibling her own age.

That decision led her to Association House, where she completed her foster care training and soon welcomed her very first placement—Adrian, a seven‑month‑old baby who is now 13 years old and still part of her family today. Over the years, Melanie has welcomed ten children into her home, providing stability, care, and love through every stage of uncertainty. During the first few years of her journey, she gained guardianship of Adrian, and adopted another child, Jamia.

She credits much of her confidence to the preparation and support she received early on. “The process moves pretty fast, so the classes are really helpful," Melanie shares. “You learn what you’re able to do and cannot do, and how to really be there for the kids.”

Just as important was the ongoing support from staff. From her first caseworker to licensing staff, Melanie describes Association House as a place where help was never far away. “It’s not just one person helping you. From the top down, everybody’s involved and supportive,” she says. “I can call them with anything, and they get right back to me. They’re always on top of it.”

Melanie notes that her fostering experience came with both joy and challenges, but the journey has been well well worth it.

Chloe and Adrian entered Melanie's life at different times, but they share a birthday! It's been like having a twin adopted in.

“The most rewarding part is just being able to give back,” Melanie explains. “Being available, just being someone that the kids can look up to.” The hardest moments come when children leave her home — even when it’s for the right reasons. “They teach you not to get attached, but that’s hard when somebody’s been with you for years or even just a few months.” she says.

This past October, Melanie experienced one of those rare, joyful milestones: another permanency with two children who had been with her for six years: Chloe and Jeremiah, a pair of siblings. “It's a wonderful thing when the kids really want to be with you. My son kept asking, 'is it over, is it over?' We were just waiting on court—and when it was done we were so happy," she shares. "It's a big moment. When you know they’re staying with you, it’s like everybody did their part — the agency, the judge, the family."

Now with a permanent family of four, Melanie is looking ahead to vacations without court permissions, a bigger home, and a future built together.

When we asked Melanie what she would say to someone considering foster care, her answer was simple and sincere:

“This is a big commitment, but one I'd take a million times. You have to be ready to be a teacher, a therapist — all of that. And you have to make sure you have a village. I found one at Association House." ▪

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Take the first step toward becoming a foster parent and get licensed with Association House. Learn more at https://www.associationhouse.org/foster.