10 years ago, my husband and I opened our home as foster parents. Several years later, we begin actively participating with this support group. The support of this group became very valuable when we anticipated the adoption of a child that we have been fostering. We were able to make a connection with two parents who were a little bit older and had older children. Their support And wisdom was invaluable in our journey. Since that time it has been an honor to help accompany other people on this journey, whether that be foster care, kinship, care, or adoption. It is a blessing to have people that understand some of the challenges that come with these rules. But always, they understand the rewards. We are beyond grateful for the support that has been there for us.
I love having some time w/ adults, knowing my kiddos are safe and well supervised. I also enjoy a night where meal prep is not my responsibility.
So, I know that there are a lot of you that are on here that don't necessarily come to the in person support group. While this community on Facebook is great, I'd like to give just a very few examples of what being in person with this group has done for me.
*I just dropped my 15yr old off with another foster dad to spend the day working with him building swingsets. He's happy to do it, and we have a weekend of softball that would bore him to death. He gets to get some guidance and support from someone I would never have known, and learn from someone else about hard work and giving back.
*When I had a few family emergencies this past few months I was able to call another foster mom at like midnight and she didn't hesitate to help out, and keep one of my kiddos a few days. Because she was licensed there was zero concern with the state, as long as they knew where he was. When other foster parents found out they reached out and offered the same assistance.
*My 11yr old and 2yr old LOVE a couple of the foster families in the group, so when we get together they have immediate friends. They love going to the in person group to play with their friends, and it makes the events we do that much more fun.
*I've been able to help another foster mom get her son some driving time.
*I've provided respite to a family, and it was so much easier as the kids knew who I was.
*It's so much easier reaching out to ask questions once you've met someone and have become friends with them - we trust our friends.
I know we all have our own support systems, but it's invaluable to have the support of people who understand our kids, and for the kids to have friends who might understand where they are coming from.
Consider coming to the in person support group - there's so many more benefits that I just can't get into them all!!!
The Central New Hampshire Foster and Adoptive Parent Support Group has been a real support to me over the past few years. I had guardianship of my granddaughter for a few years and about a year and a half ago, I adopted her. Beth and Scott are great leaders who work very hard to meet the needs of all the group members. The group members are very supportive, and having a place to go to share all my struggles and victories is so meaningful to me. The leaders plan fun outings for the families where the kids get to see there are other children in the same boat as they are. The most fun activity was when the adults got together and solved a mystery murder and we got to play different characters in the story. I had a blast!
I've been involved with Central New Hampshire Foster Adoptive Parent Support Group for at least 10 years. What started for me as information gathering has lead to lifelong friendships, mentorship and many learning opportunities.
I love how when I have questions, either someone in the group has the answer or can point me to someone who has the answer. Anything I am experiencing has been gone through by someone else there and they can help me through the process or experience.
I'm proud to be a Board Member in this group that gives so much to and for the kiddos that are generally forgotten. I'm hoping my input helps give back to the kiddos and family in need for many years to come.
I have been part of the CNH Foster/Adoptive/Caregiver Support Group for almost 14 years, almost as long as my adopted son and I have been a family. This group has made life so much easier and better in so many ways! There were only 2 families when I started, but it has grown a great deal over time, thanks mostly to the efforts of Beth and Scott Maltzie. They are the current President and Vice President of our group. In this group, I have been able to share worries, concerns, frustrations, challenges, AND joys, successes, and victories. The complexities of foster/adoption/kinship families can be overwhelming, but this group has provided me with a monthly check-in, multiple resources, and heartwarming support over the years and I am so thankful for them! This group has helped me and my son develop as a loving family. Thank you to all who participate!