Meet a Foster Family: Aundrea
Aundrea sets the perfect example of being a selfless foster parent. It was a turning point in her life when she heard a missionary who had served alongside Mother Teresa speak about serving orphans in Calcutta. Aundrea says, “It planted the seed for orphan and foster care in my heart.”
Once married, she planned to adopt. However she knew she had love to share, so she chose to begin fostering before that next chapter in her life began. Licensed through SC DSS since 2006, Aundrea fosters children ages birth through 10 years. She has fostered nine children so far and looks forward to caring for more. Her career as a teacher certainly helps, and her happy and gregarious nature guides her children into a loving and adventurous time in their lives. The family enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors. They love to dance, read the Bible and play games.
Aundrea states her favorite thing about fostering is simply providing a safe and loving home for children who have been neglected or abused. As a single parent, was she hesitant to become licensed to foster? Of course, but that didn’t stop her. “I overcame my fear by reminding myself that it’s about the children in crisis, not about me,” says Aundrea, showing her selfless nature.
Her favorite quote is the perfect lesson for children in foster care: “Promise me you’ll always remember: You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” (A. A. Milne)
Aundrea now has four children that are a forever a part of her family. Read more about her story and her family as she discusses the beauty and challenge of raising children of a different race.
At Fostering Great Ideas, we believe that anyone who can provide a loving and stable home would make a great foster parent. We need diverse foster parents across our nation, just as there are diverse children and youth entering care through no fault of their own. The greatest needs are often for families that will welcome sibling groups and older children or teenagers.
Stepping into foster care can be daunting. But that’s why we are here! We want to help you figure out what your role might be – whether that is fostering, adopting, volunteering, donating, or advocating. Everyone can do something! Contact us [email protected]. We can’t wait to talk to you!
