Welcome to the foster family story project. Here you will find stories of amazing foster families. CHAMPS is proud to feature these families and we invite you to join in saying #ThanksFosterFamilies for all they do to help children and families. These stories are shareable through Facebook and Twitter.

Submit a story about a foster family you know by completing this short, easy-to-use form.

For more information about CHAMPS, please visit our main website at fosteringchamps.org

Irene Clements, Texas

We saw children blossom in our home, time and time again. And, as the executive director of the National Foster Parent Association, I’ve seen and met many caring families who have taken in children needing a home, and given them love and the support they need.

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Michele Connizzo of Florida

Michele Connizzo of Florida

Michele Connizzo is a foster mom Manatee County, Florida. There is a legacy of foster parenting in her family, dating back to her paternal grandmother who opened her home and cared for children. The opioid crisis in her own community prompted Michele to see the local need and respond. Her very first placement proved to me one of her greatest successes with the child going from completely non-verbal when he arrived to Michele’s home to graduating from therapy with an above-average vocabulary.  Michele’s impact does not end with the children. She is President of the Manatee Foster and Adoptive Parent Association (FAPA) a group that seeks to support parents who work with vulnerable children.

Will Paull speaks about his foster parents, Doug and Bethany Gatewood, Florida

Will Paull speaks about his foster parents, Doug and Bethany Gatewood, Florida

The Gatewood's profound influence during my teenage years had such an effect on my life that becoming a statistic of the system was NOT an option. However, the term “foster kid” was not typically used in our house.  The expectations set within our home did not leave anything related to foster care as an acceptable excuse. Their constant and fierce advocating for the best interest of each individual child that came into their home could not be ignored. Three adoptions, a dozen fosters and countless players, students, and all others in need… the Gatewood’s succeeded simply by putting the needs of others first. I will always identify as a foster kid. It’s part of me. Just like the Gatewoods are a part of me. And I can only pray that more kids have foster parents like them.

Amy and Eric Bates of Utah

In speaking about the children with special needs who they've cared for, “I am constantly amazed by their resiliency and strength. They are all wonderful individuals who have a lot to offer. I see the beauty in the small steps rather than waiting for huge progress."

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Mark Smith, foster and adoptive dad and former pro wrestler

"For all I may have taught the children we have fostered, what they teach our family is just as important. Their bravery and resilience remind us not to let fear get in the way of living. We have opened our home to children of many different backgrounds. All who walk through the door are family."

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Tony Dungy, foster and adoptive dad, and former NFL star

Tony Dungy and his wife, Lauren, are foster and adoptive parents who help raise awareness and recruit foster and adoptive families across Indiana.

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Jim and Anne Cook of Michigan

Anne Cook, now retired from foster parenting, recently ran into a former foster daughter who is now a foster parent with her husband. The daughter gives credit to the Cooks for going that route. 

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