BROWN COUNTY (NBC 26) — A trip to the playground wouldn't be the same for the Hathaway’s of De Pere if it wasn't for the two children they recently took in.
"The more kids the merrier, they add a lot of happiness into our lives, into our family,” Christen said.
Even with three girls of their own, Jake and Christen Hathaway decided to become foster parents not even thinking twice before making the decision to open up their hearts and home.
“We thought we’d had a lot of love to give and a lot of space so we wanted to provide the opportunity for the kids who really need it,” Christen Hathaway said.
The couple recently became foster parents about six months ago.
Learn more about the children they took in:
For Vickie and Jay Schiefelbein of Allouez they too have big hearts.
The couple have been foster care parents for 14 years having taken in about 50 kids throughout this time.
“Its a true blessing being able to take these kids in from a challenging situation. It starts off difficult at first because they’re afraid of the new environment and the foster parents are frankly nervous about the changes too,” said Jay Schiefelbein.
The Schiefelbein couple share more about what it's like being foster care parents:
According to the latest numbers from the Brown County Department of Health and Human Services, over 300 kids are in what is considered out of home care.
That includes those who are living in group homes or with relatives. Out of those 300 about half are in general foster homes.
Hear from Brown County officials on the need for foster parents:
Foster families becoming that rock and support system for little ones who may not otherwise would have received all this love.
Officials encourage the public to step up and foster if you're able to, as they're always looking for safe homes they can place children in.
"It doesn't have to look a certain way like to be a foster parent. Basically it's your heart. You can live an apartment, you can be a single person, you can be a married couple living in a home, you can be a couple that's not married living in a home,” said Heather LaFave, Brown County Dept. of Health and Human Services
For the Hathaways, they say they're just amazed at how much the two brothers they took in have grown in just the last few months.
"When the boys came to us they were really quiet and reserved and they didn't really show much of their personality at all. Then as we got to know them we get to see them kind of grow and open up. We get to see how much fun that they get to have,” Christen said.
These children are our neighbors and the future leaders of society.
One step at a time, these families are helping nurture our next generation.
If you’re interested in becoming a foster parent, Brown County is offering virtual information sessions.
Those dates are June 16 at 6 p.m. and July 13 at 6 p.m.
For more information click hereor call 920-448-6272.
Wondering if becoming a foster parent will take a toll in your pockets? Officials say foster care is actually a reimbursement program. Learn more:
Wondering how long it might take to become a foster parent? Learn more on the time frame:
