East Cumberland Region Foster Parenting

10/08/2026

09/25/2026

Please share!

08/24/2026

Nurture and structure go hand in hand.

Children thrive when they experience both unconditional love and healthy boundaries.

As Dr. Karyn Purvis reminds us, connection builds trust, and structure fosters growth—both are essential.

💙 Which comes more naturally to you: nurture or structure?

08/24/2026

Kids who have experienced foster care may have unique triggers at school. I’ve shared several in this post but feel free to ADD in the comments! 👇 Every child and situation is different.

I’ve continued to update this post based on feedback from the community over the years - thank you for your contribution!

Foster parents: If you know of a clear support need for a child in your care, consider foreshadowing the best you can for the child and communicate with their teacher/school counselor where appropriate. Accommodations may be available you don’t even know exist.

School staff/teachers/specialists/counselors: If you can avoid altogether for the entire class - great! If you can alter or provide support/accomodations - wonderful! I know that isn’t always possible. If that’s the case, consider giving kids a heads up about whats going to happen and/or checking in or offering support after. THANK YOU for all you do for youth impacted by foster care. For many, school is the place where they feel safest and some of their most trusted adults may exist at school. Your everyday care matters more than you know!

👉Comment SUPPORTS and I’ll send you a post that has a ton of ways schools can help kids impacted by foster care.

08/24/2026

“What kids in foster care really need is love...loving these kids, man, is the ticket!" - Corey McKinney, foster dad 💭

In Episode 97 of the Foster Friendly Podcast, co-hosts Travis Vangsnes and Courtney Williams welcome Corey McKinney, a thought leader in peer pressure and bullying, to discuss his journey as a foster parent and mentor. Corey shares his experiences in basketball, the challenges of fostering, and the importance of instilling hope and structure in the lives of foster children. He emphasizes the need for patience and understanding in the foster care system, and the impact of mentorship on youth development.

The three also discuss the profound impact of foster parenting, particularly focusing on the challenges faced by foster parents and the importance of communication, love, and support for children in care. They explore the unique challenges of parenting teenagers, the prevalence of bullying among youth in foster care, and the critical role that male figures can play in providing stability and guidance. The discussion emphasizes the need for perseverance, understanding, and the power of love in helping foster children navigate their difficult circumstances.

Listen to Episode 97 anywhere you get your podcasts! 🎙️

08/05/2026

Dear Foster Parents,

Thank You!
💙

08/05/2026

🦸 Foster Care Friday 🦸

When people think of superheroes, they often think of extraordinary powers. But every hero has a beginning.

Superman had foster parents.

The Kents didn’t just give Clark a place to stay—they gave him love, stability, guidance, and a sense of belonging. They believed in him, even before he understood who he was.

Every day, children in our community need someone willing to do the same.

You don’t need superpowers to change a child’s life. You simply need an open heart, a safe home, and a willingness to be there during one of the hardest times in a child’s life. Foster families are especially needed for teens, sibling groups, and children who need a caring adult to remind them they matter.

Could your family be the beginning of someone else’s story?

If you’ve ever wondered whether fostering is right for you, we’d love to answer your questions. There’s no obligation—just a conversation that could change a child’s future.

📞 Call us today: 304-485-0650
🌐 Learn more: www.childhswv.org

Be the hero a child in our community is waiting for. Your foster care journey could be the one that changes a life forever. 💙

08/05/2026

🚨 Myth Buster Monday 🚨

Don’t let common myths keep you from changing a child’s life. There are many misconceptions about foster care, and we’re here to answer your questions every step of the way.

If you’ve ever wondered whether fostering could fit your family’s lifestyle, let’s talk! You may be surprised by what’s possible.

📞 Call us: 304-485-0650
🌐 Learn more: www.childhswv.org

Together, we can provide safe, loving homes for children and youth in our community. ❤️