Meet Our Families
The Lasting Effects of Our Time with Michael
Earlier this month would have been the third annual Homebrew Showcase for All Our Kids. The last two years of this event have been a wonderful partnership between Paddy’s Irish Pub and AOK. Although the funds raised as a result of this event have meant so much to us, the relationships we’ve made with the…
Read MoreEp. 25: Meet Child Welfare Advocate and Veteran Foster/Adoptive Parent: Missy Tyler Tarjick
Hearing about Missy’s lifelong involvement in foster care and adoption is inspiring, surprising, and sometimes even jaw dropping. From her own birth family’s fostering journey to her 20-year experience as a foster, adoptive and (more recently) guardianship parent – you are bound to be amazed. Hear about how she manages her large brood (how large?…
Read MoreNational Adoption Day Makes Them A Family of Three
When Tani and Carlos Rivera set out to create their family, they both agreed on fostering to adopt. They envisioned their family with maybe a sibling set, especially one that was already legally free for adoption. “That was our plan,” Tani said. They didn’t picture a newborn. But it never really works out according to…
Read MoreNo More Empty Nest
As an empty nester, Candice Tauscher wasn’t looking to take up a new hobby like golfing or gardening, she was ready to fill her nest again through foster care. “We probably move more slowly than the other parents,” Candice said. But Candice and her husband, Brian, are just as involved as those first-timers, attending…
Read MoreIt Takes a Village to Adopt a Child
Carolina Clark, 38, and her husband Michael, 42, spent Carolina’s birthday in January 2016 meeting Jordan, the little boy who would take over their hearts and become their son. As they spent time playing and bonding during that first meeting, at least one person knew it was meant to be. “His foster mom said she…
Read MoreAn Unconventional Family Tree
Eight years ago, Amanda and her 5-year-old foster son, Angel, sat on chairs in the sterile hallway of a DCF office, waiting to visit with Angel’s biological mom. As she arrived, Amanda said to Angel, “Let’s say hi to your mom.” Amanda had no idea how that first hello would ultimately impact all their lives.…
Read MoreHeath and Rachael: Enough love for seven
Rachael and her husband, Heath, already had children. But when their landlord brought up foster care, the two decided that fostering to adopt would be how they grew their family. After going through the required classes, Rachael and her husband were looking for a little girl under 2 years old to foster, and hopefully adopt.…
Read MoreCreating My Village: The All Our Kids Story
When I became a foster parent in 2008, I assumed I was going to enter a strong community of connected foster parents who live the “It Takes a Village” mantra. I had a vision of getting together with other foster and adoptive families on a regular basis, watching their kids grow up or move on,…
Read MoreEp. 7: Meet Our Families — Amanda
Back to AOK Podcasts Click here to subscribe to our podcast Meet Amanda Imagine having over 150 children come through your home in less than ten years. Local single foster and adoptive mom, Amanda, shares her heartwarming story with Marianna.
Read MoreEp. 6: Meet Our Families — Marty Blair
Back to AOK Podcasts Click here to subscribe to our podcast Meet Marty Blair Before she became a foster parent, Marty Blair was a local police officer who saw too many children in need. Marty shares her story as a foster parent, adoptive parent, and family resource liaison.
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