Benchmark Family Services - Fort Wayne, Indiana

06/23/2026

One new home this week but So many more kids in need!

🩵Call to learn more about foster care 🩵

06/23/2026

One new home this week but So many more kids in need!

🩵Call to learn more about foster care 🩵

06/22/2026

06/22/2026

🧠 Myth Monday

MYTH: “Teenagers don’t want to be fostered.”

FACT: Most teens in foster care desperately want what every young person wants—a place where they belong.

They may not always say it.
They may test boundaries.
They may seem independent.

But beneath all of that is often a young person hoping someone will stick around.

Many teens in foster care aren’t looking for perfection. They’re looking for consistency, connection, and someone who won’t give up on them.

🩵 Every child deserves to know they’re wanted—especially teenagers.

06/21/2026

Happy Father’s Day! 💙

Today we celebrate the dads, grandpas, stepdads, foster dads, father figures, and all the men who show up with love, patience, and support. Thank you for the countless ways you make a difference in the lives of children and families every day.

Wishing you a day filled with appreciation, laughter, and the people who matter most. 💙

06/19/2026

I was at Kroger today and watched a little girl proudly tell her adult, "I can carry it myself."

The bag was for sure too heavy.
She was clearly going to drop it.
And she was absolutely determined.

It made me laugh because kids are like that. They want independence, but they still need someone nearby just in case.

Kids in foster care need that too and honestly, adults aren't that different either.

Sometimes children need someone nearby while they figure things out. Someone to encourage them, cheer them on, and help carry the heavy stuff when it becomes too much.
And sometimes their adults need that too!

I am so lucky to be one of many supports for our families

06/18/2026

Today I had one of those conversations that sticks with you.

Someone told me, "I've thought about fostering before, but I just don't think I could do it."

When I asked why, they started listing all the reasons:

My house isn't big enough.
I don't make enough money.
I don't know what I'm doing.
I'm afraid I'd mess it up.

And honestly? I've heard every one of those concerns before.

The funny thing is, I've also heard those same concerns from people who are now amazing foster parents.

I think we spend a lot of time talking ourselves out of things before we ever give ourselves a chance.

Now, fostering isn't for everyone—and that's okay.

But if you've ever thought about it, don't let assumptions make the decision for you.

Call me. 260-310-6007.
Ask questions.
Get information.
Have a conversation.

You might find out you're more capable than you think.

And if not, you'll at least know instead of wondering "what if?"

💙

06/17/2026

Tonight, families all across our community will sit down for dinner.

There will be laughter.
Someone will spill something.
Someone will complain about vegetables.

The usual stuff.

But somewhere nearby, there's a child wondering where they'll be eating dinner next week.

I don't share that to make anyone feel guilty.

I share it because sometimes we forget that ordinary moments are actually really important.

A seat at the table.
A bedtime routine.
A ride to school.
Someone who remembers how you like your pancakes.

Those little things matter.

More than we realize. 💙

06/16/2026

Random thought from my day...

I think people assume foster parents are these extraordinary humans who have everything figured out.

They've made an extraordinary decision but they don't have it all figured out.

They're tired.
They're busy.
They forget what's for dinner.
They lose their keys.

They're regular people.

The difference is that they decided to make room in their lives for a child who needed them.

I wish more people could see that.

Because somewhere out there is someone who would make an incredible foster parent, but they've already convinced themselves they're not qualified.

Maybe that's you.
Maybe it's someone you know.

Either way, I hope you don't count yourself out before you've even explored the possibility. ❤️

06/15/2026

🚨 Foster Care Myth of the Week 🚨

"I couldn't foster because I'd get too attached."

Honestly?

The best foster parents get attached.

Children deserve adults who care about them, cheer for them, worry about them, and celebrate their wins.

Is saying goodbye sometimes hard? Absolutely.

But foster parents don't love children because it's easy. They love them because children need to be loved.

So if you've ever thought, "I care too much to foster," that might actually be one of your greatest strengths. ❤️