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We will watch a 10-15 minute video with a word of encouragement and education from Board President and Founder, Jamie Finn, and then break into discussion groups of about 8-10 people.
The goal is for you to leave feeling equipped, connected, and supported as you love and care for the children in your home.
We offer childcare during our support groups led by a team trauma-trained childcare workers who will provide fun and engaging activities for your children during your time at support group.
With over 12 years in foster and adoption ministries through the local church, Heather is passionate about supporting foster families and collaborating with existing resources. She believes every child deserves a stable, loving environment, and foster families are essential in this process.
Heather's goal is to help families thrive, not just survive, by addressing burnout and creating supportive solutions. Her lived experience has shown her the challenges and transformative moments that come with proper support.
Heather comes to this role with many years of non-profit experience, most recently as executive director of a West Michigan nonprofit.
Jess lives in Grand Rapids, MI and has been a foster and adoptive mom for 7 years. She has two daughters and one son through adoption. Jess is passionate about advocating for the vulnerable and bringing support to foster and adoptive families. Her favorite things include beach days, caffeine, and snuggling babies.
Faye Veltman has been working in the nonprofit world for over 20 years planning and executing events. She has a passion for creating an experience for those that attend her events that make them want to come back again and again. She has a special place in her heart for kids in the foster care system and is so excited that she will be able to support and build up foster families in her new position with Foster the Family.When not working, Faye is a mom to 3 energetic homeschooled kids ages 14, 13, and 10. The Veltman family has a small hobby farm where they like to grow some of their own food and have a small zoo with chickens, rabbits, pigs, cats and a dog.
I'm a wife, a mom of five, a foster care case manager, and a passionate advocate for foster care. I enjoy reading, camping with my family, and beach days!
As a foster/adoptive mom, I understand the importance of respite for foster families and being surrounded by people who just “get it.” It truly takes a village.
I am so excited and feel blessed to be the Respite Coordinator for Foster the Family GR. I’m looking forward to the opportunities to allow families the break they deserve, while also making sure they feel confident and comfortable that their kids are in safe hands with a team who is equipped to meet the needs of the children and also give the children a fun time to just be a kid!
