Inside the Mission, Inside Foster Care

November 27, 2024

Communities Connected for Kids is proud to continue this month with its special year-long series, Profiles in Foster Care.

The project, which introduces local foster parents to the community through a series of short bios and pictures, is part of CCKids’ #25by2025 campaign to add 25 foster homes by January.

“We hope that by sharing these stories and experiences, others may be inspired to consider their own foster-care journey,” said Christina Kaiser, CCKids community relations director.

Today’s profile is of the Gabe and Lisa Kaplan Family. The Kaplans became foster parents in Deerfield Beach in 2021 before moving to Boca Raton and then Port St. Lucie, this year. They have had six children in their home, including four children who they adopted.

Gabe Kaplan said he and his wife decided to be foster parents because they had the ability, time and space in their home, and because they felt God's pull to do the work.

"We love children and have a strong conviction to care for them," he said. "Lisa's father was adopted so we were witness to the blessing of foster care and adoption."

Kaplan said he would advise anyone thinking about foster care to just do it.

"There is no cause more worthy of your commitment," he said. "Understand that children being placed with you need love, compassion, attention, patience and protection above all else."

Growth, Kaplan said, can be slow at times. "But when you witness them overcome an obstacle and realize their potential, it is the most amazing moment."

If you'd like more information about becoming a foster parent, call (772) 873-7800, and ask for Jerra.