Foster Mom Can Do it With a Broken Heart

September 11, 2024

Port St. Lucie – Kimberly Johnson became a foster parent one day and lost her mother the next. Her world unraveled, but the one she and her husband Robert wanted to create for the little girl staying with them did not. She would not allow it.

“A few days after placement, Kim’s mom died and she had to travel out of state during the Thanksgiving holiday to be with family,” said Adrienne Huggins, a dependency case manager who nominated the Johnsons for a local excellence award.

Not wanting to disrupt the placement – something that could have been traumatic for the little girl – the Johnsons decided that Robert would stay behind while Kimberly mourned her mother and took care of family business.

For their selflessness, the Johnsons received Communities Connected for Kids’ GEM – Going the Extra Mile – award.

They attended the funeral together but split their time and focus again so that Robert could get the little girl enrolled in her new school and start planning for her high-needs medical planning. Once Kimberly returned, she immediately hopped back in to taking care of her needs, Huggins said in her nomination.

The pair drove the little girl to and from appointments in Miami, cared for her after surgeries and learned how to care for ostomy bags. They talked to doctors, met with nurses and supervised visits with the little girl’s mother.

“Every day presents a new challenge, but they approach each day with a new attitude, calming spirit and willingness to protect and ensure love and security for the child in their care,” Huggins said.

The Johnsons were recognized with a personal phone call from CEO Carol Deloach, a plaque and a gift card.

Do you know a local caregiver who goes above and beyond and should be recognized? Let us know by submitting a nomination HERE. Interested in changing a child’s life in a really big way? Call (772) 873-7800 and ask for Jerra to learn more about foster care. You can also find more information about CCKids at cckids.net.