Mark and Jennifer's Foster-to-Adopt Journey with PCHAS

Jennifer had always dreamt of having a child. Even before meeting her husband, Mark, she hoped to adopt. Their journey into fostering began when a close friend, who had three foster children, shared her positive experiences with them. Jennifer and Mark started helping their friend with her foster children, learning firsthand about the rewarding world of foster care. This friend also mentioned that foster care could lead to adoption, planting a seed of hope in Jennifer’s heart.

As Jennifer sits in a pink room adorned with floral patterns, she fondly recalls discovering Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services (PCHAS) in 2020, marking the beginning of God’s plan to bring her daughter into her life.

A friend had introduced her to PCHAS, inviting her and her husband to a seminar hosted by the Foster Care & Adoption program. Intrigued, Jennifer and Mark attended the seminar and immediately felt a connection. They were drawn to PCHAS because of its faith-based approach, which resonated deeply with their own values.

Mark and Jennifer’s training with PCHAS began during the pandemic, making most of it virtual. The licensing process was thorough and took seven months to complete, but it was a journey that prepared them well for the responsibilities of fostering. Jennifer appreciated the comprehensive home study and felt well-supported by the dedicated staff at PCHAS.

Since joining PCHAS, Jennifer and Mark have fostered four children, each of whom eventually transitioned back to their biological families. Their most recent foster child was a one-year-old girl named Faith. From the moment they met, Faith found comfort in Jennifer’s arms, signaling the beginning of a special bond. Tragically, Faith came from an abusive environment and suffered internal injuries. Jennifer and Mark immediately took her to the hospital, where she received the care she needed to heal.

Throughout her recovery, Jennifer and Mark provided Faith with a loving and nurturing home. They soon realized that Faith had become an irreplaceable part of their lives. Touched by Faith’s resilience, they knew in their hearts they were meant to adopt her. Their official adoption date is scheduled for June 2024.

Jennifer and Mark’s journey, with the unwavering support of PCHAS, transformed their dream of parenthood into a beautiful reality.