Success Stories:

Belinda and Edward Brown have been foster parents for six years. They have four biological children, ages ranging from 16-23. They have helped approximately 50 children in their six years of foster care. Belinda treats each child as her own and finally adopted one of the children. She is in the process of adopting two other children who have also been in her care. Belinda and Edward chose to become foster parents because the children bring hope and life into their home. They still have contact with several children who were in their home. One girl still calls once a week to discuss her weekly life experiences. Children who have been reunited with their parents and adoptive parents have maintained communication with the Brown family.

Johanna was placed in a foster home in 1998, at the age of nine. Johanna has overcome significant emotional and academic challenges. Most noticeable has been her academics development. When she was placed in foster care, Johanna was several grades behind in school. With a dedicated, understanding and caring foster mother, Johanna caught up to her school class. In April 2001, Johanna was selected as the Student of the Month! Usually, this honor goes to A+ students. However, as the school newsletter wrote, �Johanna, a 6th grader, is an incredible success story for our school.� She transferred there in the 4th grade, and really struggled because of her lack of so many essential skills. When she entered the 6th grade, she was still far below grade level, but she made a decision to triple her efforts and with wonderful support from home and school, she pulled herself up to her grade level. Johanna also excelled in drama, was elected as the Student Body Secretary and was active in many sports, namely basketball, softball and soccer. To top last year off, her dream to be adopted by her foster mother came true. In October 2001, Johanna was adopted and is now referred to as Johanna Bromley-Strantz.