Inside the Mission: Profiles in Foster Care
Across our community, foster families are opening their homes—and their hearts—to children in need. At Communities Connected for Kids, we believe these real-life stories help illustrate the impact foster parents make every day and may inspire others to consider how they, too, can support children in care.
As part of our ongoing efforts to increase the number of safe, loving foster homes throughout our region, we are honored to share a glimpse into the lives of a few local foster families who have answered the call.
We are pleased to introduce you to a couple of our foster parents below!
Trish and Billy Crawford became licensed foster parents in January 2024 and welcomed teenage girls into their Fort Pierce home. The Crawfords have four adult biological children and felt compelled to foster after learning about the challenges teens face when they age out of care.
“We decided to become foster parents after hearing the statistics for teens who age out of the system and how many become homeless, addicted, or incarcerated,” Trish shares. “It tugged on our hearts, and we felt the need to help.”
For those considering fostering, Trish offers heartfelt advice:
“Pray on it—and then pray some more. It’s not an easy decision, but there are moments that are incredibly rewarding. Even if you only foster for a short time, you can make a difference in a child’s life.”
Jocelyn Fimiano, a foster mom in Port St. Lucie, was licensed in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Along with her husband, Adam, Jocelyn has fostered 28 children and currently cares for seven in her home, including four of her own. She has also been recognized statewide for her work supporting fellow caregivers and biological parents.
“We love kids and felt called to help,” Jocelyn says. “Once we were in it, we saw just how great the need really is.”
Her message to those thinking about becoming foster parents is simple yet powerful:
“You don’t have to be a perfect parent—you just need to have love in your heart. If you lead with love and grace, you can build connections that last even after reunification. Don’t fear the goodbye.”
Inspired by these stories? You can make a lasting difference in a child’s life by becoming a foster parent. Communities Connected for Kids provides training, support, and guidance every step of the way. Click here for more info on how to get started.
