Let's Talk About Foster Care

Sometimes the best conversations happen over coffee. (Or tea, if you’re a complete weirdo like me and don’t drink coffee.)

That’s exactly why we’re hosting an event designed to be a comfortable, relaxed conversation over coffee. Or tea. Or whatever drink brings you joy. (Don't worry, The Grind Coffee Bar has you covered!)

I’m especially excited about this event because I love meeting new people and hearing their stories. I love learning about what brought someone to our door and what they’re interested in. I love making connections. And I love answering questions, dispelling myths, and sharing a little about my own foster care journey.

I know the idea of foster care can feel intimidating or overwhelming. You probably have questions that you might be hesitant to ask in a formal setting. This casual coffee-shop conversation creates a space for honest questions and honest answers. You don’t have to know whether you want to foster before you come. You may just be starting to ask some very basic questions—and that’s okay!

Maybe you want to know what foster care looks like in Medina County. What the need is and why we need more foster homes. What kinds of children typically need homes. Who can become a foster parent. What the licensing process involves. What support foster parents receive. What fostering might look like for your family. Or maybe you have a thousand other questions. Whatever you’re wondering, we’ll have staff available and ready to talk with you and answer your questions.

We’d love for you to bring all your questions to our Open House. But we hope you’ll come even if you’re simply curious and don’t have a lot of questions yet. Come with a friend, your spouse, or a family member—or come solo. There’s no pressure and no expectation.

And what if you get all your questions answered and decide fostering isn’t right for you? That’s completely okay, too! The goal is simply to help people understand foster care and find their place in supporting children.

You might be surprised by what getting involved with foster care can look like. Not everyone who cares about foster care needs to become a foster parent. You may discover that fostering isn’t right for you, but you can still support a foster family, donate, advocate, or simply help spread the word. Remember, it takes a village—and we’re inviting you to Be the Village with us.

I hope you’ll join us on Tuesday, October 13, at 6 p.m. at The Grind Coffee Bar (124 N. Court Street, Medina). Even if you’re just curious or just want to stop by and say hi, we’d love to see you there!

You don’t have to walk through the door knowing whether foster care is right for you. Just come have a cup of coffee, ask a few questions, and start the conversation. Sometimes, showing up is the first step toward discovering how you can be part of the village.