Every child deserves a safe and loving home. This May, during National Foster Care Awareness Month, TFI Family Connections of Oklahoma invites you to learn how you can open your heart and your home to a child in need.
About TFI Family Connections of Oklahoma
TFI Family Connections of Oklahoma provides child welfare programs and services to help support children in foster care. Their team is dedicated to equipping new foster parents with the tools they need to open their hearts and homes to Oklahoma children.
“There are more than 5,000 children in foster care in Oklahoma,” says Angela Blanton, TFI Director of Oklahoma Foster Care. “We greatly need more foster families and TFI is committed to coming alongside those willing to take on the rewarding challenge of becoming a foster parent.”
A Passion Rooted in Purpose
Jennie Williams, an inspiring advocate, has been a foster parent for nearly 10 years. She has built a caring environment for children, while striving to influence positive changes in foster care practices and policies for a brighter future.
Her fostering journey began 18 years ago while she was living in Mexico and volunteering at an orphanage. While there, she formed a special bond with a three-year-old boy who sparked her lifelong passion for helping create strong, loving families. After moving back to the United States, she earned her degree in social work and worked in various roles supporting children, including positions at a Head Start preschool and respite care setting.
Breaking Down Barriers
Due to being legally blind, Williams faced additional barriers to becoming a foster parent. Since she was legally blind, she was not able to obtain a driver’s license, which in turn prevented her from being able to foster. Undeterred, she advocated tirelessly and after months of persistence, she helped change the policy in Oklahoma.
The Heart of Fostering
She emphasizes the importance of trust and individualized care in fostering. She shares how her creative approach — such as offering familiar comfort foods or tailoring support based on each child’s background — helps children feel safe and loved.
Her experience has shown her that fostering is not just about providing shelter but about understanding and meeting each child’s unique needs. She believes that fostering success depends on building strong relationships and a community that supports foster families.
How You Can Help
Williams’ advice to those considering fostering is to start with respite care. She acknowledges that fostering can be intimidating and overwhelming, but she encourages leaning into short-term respite care to help evaluate what you can handle without full commitment.
She also encourages people to befriend and create bonds with foster families and their children. Support them by staying involved, communicating openly and finding inclusive ways to share experiences that nurture trust and understanding.
“Remember to find moments of fun and joy even during busy times,” says Williams. “Spending quality, enjoyable moments with your child is essential and can truly make a positive difference. It helps bring happiness back into your daily routine and strengthens your bond.”
To learn more about how to become a foster parent or how you can help support foster families in your community, visit oklahoma.tfifamily.org. Everyone can inspire positive change and help create healthier, stronger futures for children and families.
