Foster Care
You Can Make A Difference in the Life of a Child
My husband, Monroe, Sr., and I served as foster parents to over 75 children. We opened our home, our hearts and our wallets, and were made richer than we ever imagined. This page is dedicated to those who are serving as foster parents or have a desire to be a foster parent.
Below is a piece I have written on the importance of foster care. Enjoy!
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Why I Became A Foster Parent
A little more than sixty years ago, when I was six weeks old and in need of urgent care, someone came to my rescue. The most loving and caring couple took me into their home, and they nurtured and cared for me until I was an adult.
My foster parents, DeLoach and Ora Mae Benjamin, raised a total of 48 children; two of these children were my biological brother and sister. We were never hungry or without clothes. My parents loved us, made sure all of our needs were met, and made sure that we all went to school. My foster dad was fifty-five years old when we came to live with him, but that did not matter to him. He worked hard and sacrificed a great deal to make sure we could succeed in life. My Dad helped me to understand what it meant to sacrifice. His example also made me understand that one person can make a difference.
My Dad saw that saving a child’s life was not only a part of his heritage and civic duty; rather, he saw helping others as part of God’s will for his life. As a result of his compassion and concern many children who would have otherwise fallen through the cracks were saved.
Soon after my husband Monroe and I were married in November 1966, we began bringing children home for Sunday dinner. Within the next three years we had approximately twenty children in our home on the weekends. We turned our home into a barber shop and beauty salon. As time passed more and more children came and stayed on a full-time basis. Most of these children were coming out of government foster care programs. Over a thirty-year period we had up to seventy-five children stay in our home. Their average stay was between one and eleven years.
Like my father, my husband and I saw a need and God provided us with the strength and wisdom to help. We loved the children. They became a part of our family and it was a joy to have them in our home. They are all now educated and trustworthy children who are a part of the fiber of America. All it took was a helping hand. They were able to make it from there.
Open Up Your Heart
America again needs those who will sacrifice a part of their lives for someone else. We have become a self-centered nation with very little time to help nurture those around us who need a little encouragement to stay on track. Each time I hear of a child dying violently, I ask myself several questions: Who may have lived nearby to prevent this? Did those living in the community know the child’s name? Were they crying out for help but no one noticed or heard their cry? There are tell-tale signs in children who are suffering. They are the same signs we notice in our own children on a daily basis. The only difference is we take care of it before it gets too far. Children in our communities, churches, and schools are looking for that friendly, caring face that is willing to help.
“How do I get started?” you may ask. There is no special thing one needs to do to help someone else except be available, willing to learn, love, and show humanity. Loving will get you in the door of homes and communities where help is needed. Foster care is simply serving as a surrogate parent in a child’s life until he or she learns how to take care of him or herself. You are a mentor simply intervening to help a person in need.
The most effective way to be a foster parent is to move the child into your home; however, if that is not possible day to day rather than overnight is another option. The more time you can spend with the child the better the result will be. Children must hear the same thing many times before they take ownership. Therefore, being a constant in a child’s life is important.
Need A Little Inspiration?
On this web site you can order one of three books that may inspire you to get started. You may also e-mail your question. I will answer as soon as I can. I want to see America saving our young again.
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Foster Parenting Does Make A Difference
Here are some excerpts from words of gratitiude and sympathy from our former foster children after they received the news of Monroe's passing.
Mrs. Ballard
......Mr. Ballard was my first example of a father, and I deeply appreciate everthing that the both of you have done for me. Through his example, I learned about principle, loyalty, honor, honesty, tough love and Godliness. I knew that everything that he said and did was out of pure love. And I feel so incredibly blessed that I was able to know him and that hew saw enough potential in me to encourage me in the Lord. Mrs. Ballard you are a blessed woman and you are loved and I thank you for the life that you live and for the life of Mr. Ballard which has impacted my life in ways to numerous for me to list. I love you!.....
Andrea
The Ballard Family,
Thank you for sharing your husband and father with me. Mr. Ballard was truly a guiding force in my life and I thank God for allowing me the opportunity to know such a great man. Mr. Ballard had a significant impact on my life and he taught me so many valuable lessons I still live by. He taught me that your attitude makes a world of difference in how situations turn out. He taught me that in order to prosper, you must do things right and in order. I really appreciate being in your home and I especially appreciate that I was not treated like a visitor, I was family. Linda and Ephie, you were so selfless when it came to sharing your parents with me. You even allowed me to call Mr. Ballard my Dad. I didn't have sisters and you guys treat me like blood---fussin and everything! You are a phenomenal family, and I can't say thank you enough for all that you mean to me and for your part in making me the person I am today.....