Bethany Durham

Children in therapeutic foster can deal with more challenges due to experiencing trauma, making the path to finding their place in the world more complex.

COVID has resulted in the displacement of people from their homes, jobs and the lives they once knew. This was the case for Todd, who had trouble finding work and was evicted from his home. Things started looking up for Todd and his children when he got connected with Catholic Charities and stayed at the Emergency Shelter in Flagstaff, Ariz. With the help of his case manager and the Rapid Rehousing program, he was able to secure a place to live before his kids started school.

Although foster care is one of the most rewarding journeys to be a part of, it’s not always an easy one. Being a foster parent means providing compassion, patience and unconditional love to children who are often working through trauma. Some of our Northern Arizona foster parents were honored with Courage for Children Awards for going above and beyond for their kiddos!

Even as a child, Desiree imagined someday opening her home to children in need and the impact she could make. That's what led her to Therapeutic Foster Care, which involves clinical intervention and placement of youth in specially trained foster homes that can provide assistance with mental, emotional and behavioral health needs. Today, they've made a difference in the lives of 23 children.

Foster care has had a deep influence on Barbara’s life ever since she was a child. Her parents did foster care as she was growing up, inspiring her to start her own journey as a foster parent. Now, she is in her thirteenth year of fostering and has provided a healing place for over 36 children.