Foster parenting a courageous act of love

Families are the foundation of our society, providing stability to our communities and instilling values in future generations. Every child deserves the comfort and security of a loving and nurturing home. Foster families help make this possible for the nearly 400,000 children around the country in need of a stable home.

May is National Foster Care Awareness Month, an opportunity for foster families to share their stories and highlight the wonderful experiences. Earlier this month, I joined foster care families, social service organizations and local leaders in Lincoln to recognize the enormous difference foster parents make in the lives of young people. The event was just one of many foster care tributes taking place across the state to celebrate the work of more than 3,000 foster families who provide love, safety and security for thousands of foster children in Nebraska. It was an honor to take part in such an event and to thank those who play a vital role in ensuring vulnerable children receive love and care.

At the event, I met an inspiring young student from Lincoln, Nyanup Mut, a true testament of the positive impact foster parents can have on the children they care for. Nyanup was so moved by the love and compassion shown by her foster mother, Jude, she paid tribute to her in an essay, which was later published in the book, 'Heroes Among Us'.

Nyanup writes, "I talked and you listened and gave me that hope that life can be better and it's not too late to start over...from our first meeting, I felt like you are a gift from God and you came into my life for a reason."

Nyanup's story is just one of thousands of inspiring stories from foster children across our state and nation. Last year, I had the privilege of honoring a Western Nebraska foster family as Angels in Adoption. Dave and Laura Whelchel felt a special calling to become foster parents after moving into their big farm house near Harrisburg. Their family of four quickly grew into a family of nine, as the Whelchels adopted five of the foster children they lovingly welcomed into their home.

Stories like Nyanup's and the Whelchels' are both inspiring and humbling. Families like these remind us of the importance of investing in others and ensuring our most vulnerable are cared for. I have the utmost respect for foster parents who lovingly and selflessly bring young people into their home. Their commitment ensures that children who were neglected feel loved; children who were abused feel safe; and children without a roof over their head can find comfort.

I could not be more grateful for those who choose the path of foster parenting. Their selfless commitment changes lives at a time when the need for safe and loving homes for children is great. I encourage those who feel a calling to become a foster parent to visit the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services' website at www.dhhs.ne.gov to learn more.