As we embrace the spirit of giving this holiday season, we’re highlighting the families who’ve made the commitment to help children in need through DePelchin’s foster-to-adopt program.
DePelchin’s Children Center in Houston has been the gateway for countless individuals and couples wanting to welcome a child into their home. The Robledo family is one of many who have worked with DePelchin through their foster-to-adopt program.
“There are so many children who need homes,” says Peter Robledo. “Luckily, we were blessed enough to have three kids in our home, and it’s just been the most amazing experience.”
Through DePelchin, children needing placement find safe, loving homes. Many times, that placement will end in adoption. It happened for Rafael Madrigal and his wife, Lauren, who said when little Layla came into their lives, it was about helping a child in need. Now, they can’t imagine life without her.
“It’s been the most rewarding experience that I ever had,” Madrigal says. “I would encourage anyone to think about it, and if you can, find it in yourself to give back.”
Other families say what motivates them is being the bridge for biological parents as they gain the stability needed to regain custody of their children. The Fergusons adopted recently, but prior to that, fostered six other children who all returned to their birth parents.
“It’s about helping families reunite and connect back together,” Katie Ferguson said. “We’re in touch with one of our kid’s birth moms, and you see the work they put in and the love they have for their kids.”
These families say the amount of support they received from DePelchin throughout their journey made all the difference. From the on-call clinician to counseling and parenting services, it’s all provided. DePelchin Clinical Case Manager, Allison Stults, says the need for families right now is great.
“We’ve had a lot of children come into care recently,” she says. “I would just say come in with an open mind. It’s very rewarding. Even in a short amount of time, you get to make a big impact on a child’s life.”
If you’d like to attend an orientation meeting to learn more about DePelchin’s foster-to-adopt program, you can find information here.
If you’d like to donate to DePelchin’s Holiday Project, which helps provide gifts to hundreds of foster children, find the link here.
