The role of foster parent is not an easy one. It requires patience, selflessness and sacrificial love. Through our Homes of Hope program, we are blessed to be able to partner with 78 foster families in Palm Beach County and 35 foster families on the Treasure Coast. Every year we recognize foster parents from each region who go above and beyond in loving and serving these hurting children. This year we recognized Seth and Melissa Ray and Steve and Kayla Spear with our Foster Parent of the Year awards. 

Seth and Melissa RaySeth and Melissa Ray are foster parents through our Homes of Hope Treasure Coast program. This family continuously demonstrates a true understanding of foster care and all of the unpredictable things that come along with this journey. They are always open to taking placements outside of their preferred age range, caring for infants to 17 years olds. This can be challenging, yet the Rays are always willing to step out of their comfort zone to make sure the needs of children in care are met. In addition to taking placements of their own, they come alongside other foster families in our community to provide respite, sometimes taking in sibling groups of three! They have done an amazing job advocating for children and have been instrumental in transitioning children back to their homes of origin as well as adopting a foster child into their own family. It is an honor and a privilege to recognize Seth and Missy Ray with the Treasure Coast Foster Parent of the Year Award!

croppedSteve and Kayla Spear are foster parents through our Homes of Hope Palm Beach program. Steve and Kayla’s first year as licensed foster parents consisted of taking in two foster children, in addition to their two biological sons. Additionally, it was not long before they were blessed with another little baby girl, making them a family of seven! As they cared for the boys, they worked with all of the parties involved in their case and, at times, struggled with the decisions that were being made on behalf of these precious children. The Spears handled these situations with such selfless ease and grace and focused on their daily opportunity to love the boys. It has been an honor to watch this family decide to surrender the uncontrollable to an all-knowing God. Ultimately, the Spears knew that the foster children within their care are not their children, but God’s children. He determines their permanency and will guide and protect their paths.

Thank you to the Ray family and the Spear family for being a true embodiment of quality foster parenting, reflecting a peace that is grounded in God’s greater plan. Thank you for allowing foster children to form healthy attachments and for selflessly forming loving attachments with them in return. Your peaceful demeanor and God-centered hearts make all of the difference! You make it look effortless and instill joy and love into the foster children in our community. Your dedication and sacrifice will live on with every child that encounters your care. Congratulations on your growing family and on being our Foster Parents of the Year!

To learn more about becoming a foster parent, visit our Foster Process and Requirements.