Brandi's Foster Care Journey with PCHAS

Brandi's Foster Care Journey with PCHAS

Brandi learned she could not have biological children over 15 years ago. The news crushed her, but her dream of being a mom never faded. After nearly ten years of waiting, something amazing happened in the fall of 2020.

"I kept seeing signs everywhere," Brandi shared. "TV shows, movies, friends' stories, random radio interviews – foster care seemed to appear at every turn. It felt like divine direction."

Armed with hope and faith, Brandi set out to learn more. She attended a regional information meeting, reviewed materials, and contacted agencies to ask questions. This helped her figure out her needs, identify priorities, and focus her search. Brandi wanted a smaller, faith-based organization that shared her values and would support her throughout the journey.

Finding the Perfect Match

Brandi's search led her to Presbyterian Children's Homes and Services (PCHAS), where she met Travis Cutbirth, her Foster Care & Adoption Guide. Travis answered her questions, got to know her story, and invited her to a PCHAS Online Info Session.

"I wanted a smaller agency where I wouldn't be just another number," Brandi explains. "With PCHAS, I feel seen and respected. When issues arise, they truly listen."

"What stands out about Brandi is her genuine heart for both the children and their families," Travis shares. "She embodies our belief that fostering is about supporting whole families, not just children."

Making a Difference, One Child at a Time

Brandi worked with PCHAS staff to complete the requirements for fostering and adopting. In the three years since starting, she has cared for eleven children – some for less than a week, others for nearly a year. She makes herself available for children who need a family, knowing each situation is unique. On average, kids stay with Brandi for about 90 days.

Building Bridges with Birth Families

Brandi shared one of her most meaningful experiences from her second placement. When taking the child to supervised visits, Brandi went beyond polite introductions with the birth mother. Seeing the mom's love for her child, Brandi assured her that her daughter was safe and loved. She even asked permission to pray with the woman.

The child's mom completed all court requirements, and though Brandi felt sad when the little girl left, she felt prouder of the mom's efforts to restore her family. Three years later, they remain connected, with the family welcoming Brandi as someone who cares about their whole family's wellbeing.

The Heart of Fostering

Building relationships with birth families matters deeply to Brandi. "When it's safe and appropriate, I want to connect with biological families," she says. "I ask myself, 'What if I needed help?' We all face struggles. Working together creates the best outcomes for the children."

Her humility and compassion inspire everyone at PCHAS. When asked about the most rewarding part, Brandi's answer reveals her faith and character: "Seeing how the Lord continues to work on my heart, developing love for both the children and their families. It's beautiful witnessing families reunite and thrive after reunification."

When people tell Brandi they could never foster because giving children back would hurt too much, she responds thoughtfully: "If I didn't love these children and if it didn't hurt when they leave, I'd be doing something wrong. But these children have birth parents who love them, and reunification is often the best outcome."

The Need is Great

In Texas, judges order for children to be removed from the care of their family when there is evidence of abuse and/or neglect, it is not safe for the kids to remain in the home, and there is not a reliable, safe alternative, like a relative or family friend. Each month, around eight hundred Texas children are removed from their families under these circumstances. Their cases are unique, but they all need safe, loving, nurturing foster families. We never know where or when children may need to be fostered, but the majority of the kids are school-aged (6-18 years old), about 70% are part of a sibling group and need to stay together, and there are rarely enough families for African American or Hispanic children, teenagers, and kids with special needs. To ensure families are available when children need them the most, we always share the need and want to connect with new families that want to learn more.    

Take Your First Step Today

Ready to make a difference like Brandi? She suggests attending an Information Meeting as the best first step for anyone considering fostering, and we agree. Find upcoming online and in-person information sessions at pchas.org/FosterAdoptEvents or text "FOSTER" to (281)324-0544 today.