Jared and Sarah, a couple from Andover, Kansas, became foster and adoptive parents to two sisters, Addie and Aubrey, after receiving a life-changing call in 2017. With no prior experience parenting, they dove headfirst into the world of foster care, learning quickly how trauma impacts behavior and the importance of parenting with compassion and patience. Now raising three daughters—including their biological child—they’ve discovered that every child requires a different approach, and that love, advocacy, and open-mindedness are key.

The journey hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been deeply rewarding. From late nights researching trauma-informed care to magical moments like their family trip to Disney World, Jared and Sarah cherish the highs and learn from the lows. Their message to others considering fostering: be open, seek support, and know that even the smallest gestures of love can make a lifelong impact.