May is National Foster Care Awareness Month a time to reflect, raise awareness, and take meaningful action to support children and families in foster care. Right now, there are over 391,000 children in foster care across the U.S., and 50,000 in Texas alone. The need for compassionate, committed foster families has never been greater. At Arrow, we are dedicated to helping every child find a safe, loving home. This month, we’re recognizing the life-changing role foster parents and supporters play in the lives of vulnerable children and sharing real stories that show the impact of saying “yes” to a child in need.
Why Foster Care Matters
This month is a time to honor the powerful stories, the unwavering dedication, and the life-changing impact of foster families. Foster parents provide more than a home they offer love, guidance, and a chance for children to heal and grow. Their everyday actions create lasting change and brighter futures.
Julie’s Journey: A Heart for Helping, A Home for Healing
Growing up in a small town, Julie saw compassion in action every day. Her mother opened their home to anyone in need, battered women, struggling families, and children without a safe place to stay.
“That legacy of compassion stuck with me. I always asked myself: What can I do to help?” , Julie
Years later, Julie answered that question by becoming a foster parent. With a stable life and a heart ready to serve, she said “yes” to children who needed more than just shelter they needed love, safety, and someone who truly believed in them.
That “yes” came with fear.
“I was scared I would fail them. Scared I wouldn’t know what to do. Every child is different, and you just want them to know they’re safe and loved.”
Through each placement, Julie discovered that the most powerful things she could offer weren’t complex, they were simple and heartfelt: a warm bed, a home-cooked meal, clean clothes, and consistent love.
“If you really want to feel love in your heart, look at a child who’s never had the basics and watch what happens when you give it to them.”
Moments That Matter
Over the years, Julie’s home became a place of transformation and healing:
• A six-month-old who couldn’t sit up began to crawl and babble
• A child was safely reunited with loving grandparents in Florida
• And most recently, Julie adopted a baby boy she had fostered since birth
After 2 years in care, he officially became her son in March!
“Adopting him changed my life forever.”
Julie’s fostering journey has been filled with challenges, breakthroughs, and late-night prayers but through it all, she remained steadfast.
“These kids have been through so much. They don’t need perfection—they need patience. They need to know someone won’t give up on them.”
Thinking about Fostering?
Julie offers this advice:
“Ask all the questions. Make sure your heart’s in the right place. It’s not always easy—but it’s always worth it. These children just need someone willing to show up and love them through the hard parts.”
Real Families, Real Impact
Over the years, Arrow has been honored to witness countless stories that reflect our mission of Helping Kids & Strengthening Families. Families like the Keiths exemplify the incredible impact foster care and adoption can have. Their journey marked by compassion, resilience, and unconditional love led them from fostering to adoption and continues to inspire others to open their hearts.
Watch this video to get a glimpse into their lives and see firsthand the difference one family can make.
With the right support and a nurturing home, every child has the chance to thrive — and every family has the power to transform a life.
Want to hear other foster parents perspectives?
Click here!
Introducing Our New Podcast: In Their Shoes
We’re excited to launch “In Their Shoes”, a podcast that brings you powerful, real-life stories from foster parents and individuals who have experienced foster care firsthand. Each episode offers a heartfelt look into the joys, challenges, and everyday realities of the foster care journey.
To celebrate the launch, we’re hosting a special Q&A session featuring foster parents and Arrow staff. Join us as we answer your questions, share practical insights, and explore how we can grow stronger together as a foster care community.
HEADQUARTERS
CAREERS
Our first priority in all programs is care and safety. We make an active and intentional effort to prevent child abuse, including verbal, physical, emotional or sexual abuse, through implementing strict child safety protocols.
Arrow Child & Family Ministries is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and is funded in part by The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services and The Maryland Department of Human Services.
Copyright © Arrow Child & Family Ministries | Site by Palm