Foster and Adoptive Mom is all Hands and Feet and Heart

November 2, 2022

By Christina Kaiser -

Whether it’s money, time or even a long car ride, local foster and adoptive mom Kristin West puts everything where her heart is.

“Kristin West is what I would call a hero,” said Lawanda Reason, a dependency case manager who works in CCKids’ system of care.

“She took in a child with severe mental health and trust issues,” Reason said. “When it was recommended the child go to a treatment facility, Kristin drove the child to the facility eight hours away to ensure a smooth transition.”

Communities Connected for Kids recently awarded West the Topaz GEM – or Going the Extra Mile – award for her dedication and advocacy for the children in her home.

West said she is trying to do her part to make the world a better place.

“I am so humbled by this award, and I am honored to continue serving the most hurting children and families in our community,” she said. “Seeing families create a different kind of life for their children is seriously the best thing I’ve ever gotten to see.

“And getting to love them through it...I don’t even know why I was chosen to get to do that, but I’m grateful for it.”

West not only opens her home to children in need, she makes sure other caregivers have what they need to do it.

In 2021, she started the Treasure Coast chapter of Hands and Feet. The program is simple: Caregivers, including foster families, relative and non-relative caregivers, fill out a request form specifying their family’s material needs after children are placed in their homes.

Hands and Feet volunteers gather requested items from local foster closets and community donors. Finally, the items are delivered to the family within 48 hours.

If you’re a caregiver and would like more information, visit www.handsandfeetfl.com.