Local Caregivers Honored for their Dedication to Children in Care

May 15, 2025

Cheryl P., above, and her husband, Travis, are foster parents in Stuart.

Port St. Lucie - Communities Connected for Kids is proud to recognize the Payne Family as one of two foster homes who recently received the Topaz GEM – Going the Extra Mile – Award, which honors foster parents who demonstrate extraordinary dedication, compassion and commitment to the children in their care.

The Cheryl and Travis P. family has provided a loving and nurturing home to many children over the years, and their impact continues to shine—especially in the lives of two children who were in their care for more than two years.

“Throughout the placement, the Payne family not only advocated fiercely for the girls but also built a strong, respectful partnership with the girls' biological family,” said Alexis Armstead, a licensing and placement specialist with CCKids’ recruitment provider 4Kids of the Treasure Coast. “They supported the successful transition to the girls’ grandparents’ home, showing unwavering love every step of the way.”

The Cheryl and Travis remain actively involved in the girls' lives—babysitting for the grandparents and offering support whenever needed. Their commitment to long-term connection is a testament to the deep, authentic bonds they form with every child who enters their home.

“We were honored to be a part of our girls’ story and humbled that their family continues to allow us to be a part of that story,” Cheryl said. “We hope our experience can inspire others to get involved in this amazing journey called foster care.”

This kind of unwavering dedication to fostering not only meets the basic needs of children—it enriches their lives with dignity, joy, and genuine care.

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

 

Melissa and Robert J., above, are foster parents in Port St. Lucie.

Melissa and Robert J. also received a Topaz GEM award. The Port St. Lucie couple exemplify what it means to go above and beyond for youth in care, particularly in navigating complex placement situations with empathy, transparency and collaboration, said Josie Kirchner, CCKids’ Director of Clinical Services.

Kirchner nominated Melissa and Robert for the award, highlighting their support of a teenager with a history marked by repeated relationship disruptions and the loss of several potential permanent connections.

“What began as a transitional weekend visit quickly blossomed into a powerful connection, and the teen did not want to leave,” Kirchner said. However, there were strict – and formalized - rules that had to be followed due to past behavior that threatened the teen’s safety.

The family reached out to the professionals involved in the teen’s life to fully understand his unique needs, and sat down with the youth to explain the reasons behind the new rules surrounding internet use, social media, and messaging.

With compassion and mutual respect, Melissa and Robert worked with him to co-create a plan tailored to his needs. Together, they developed a personalized, practical agreement that maintained safety while still allowing access. The teen took ownership of the process, designing a strategy for how the foster family could help him stay on track and make safe, responsible choices in the digital world.

“Receiving the GEM Award is an incredible honor for both of us,” Melissa said. “It means so much to be recognized for doing what we’re passionate about -supporting children and families in foster care.

“Every child deserves to feel safe, loved and supported, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to be part of that journey together.”

Both the families were recognized with a personal phone call from CEO Carol Deloach, a plaque and a gift card.