Saying Yes: Why Foster Families Are Stepping In and Why It Matters Now
Contributed by Jessica Stotler
Right now, there are children in our community who need a safe place to land. Many are navigating the effects of trauma, often referred to as Adverse Childhood Experiences (A.C.E.S.), and without consistent support, those experiences can shape the course of their future. The need for safe, stable homes continues to grow, while the number of available families has not kept pace.
But there is another side to the story, one that is written every time someone chooses to say yes.
Foster parents across our community are stepping in, not because it is easy, but because it matters. One shared reflection captures it simply: “I’m so grateful I said yes. Opening my home and offering love from my heart has made more of a difference than I ever imagined. Just being consistent, providing structure, and loving kids where they are, it changes things. You can actually see their confidence grow. You can see their story begin to shift.” That is the power of relationship.
Through REACH 907, families are being equipped to step into Therapeutic Foster Care, a model that surrounds both the child and the foster family with support. This includes training, ongoing guidance, and a team approach that ensures families are not navigating complex needs alone. It allows foster parents to focus on what matters most, building trust, offering stability, and creating a home where healing can begin.
The impact is not instant, and it is not always easy. But it is meaningful. And it is needed. Not everyone will be called to open their home, but everyone can be part of the solution. For some, that begins at camp, showing up, having fun, and building safe connections with kids who need to experience joy and belonging. For others, it may look like supporting foster families, mentoring youth, or learning how to respond to children through a more trauma-informed lens.
Because this is not just about individual children, it is about the future of our community. When children are given safety, consistency, and care, their trajectory changes. And when enough people step in, an entire generation can be strengthened. The need is real, and the time is now.
REACH 907 is actively seeking foster families and community members who are willing to get involved. Whether you have space in your home, time to give, or a desire to learn, there is a role for you in helping these children find hope and healing.
Sometimes the most powerful change begins with two simple words: yes, I will. More info at reach907ak.org.