A Grateful Community
Emma Patterson, an 88-year-old woman from Montgomery County, Maryland, was honored by her community for fostering over 40 children since the 1980s. Patterson started fostering children after her husband passed away four decades ago, she says she didn’t have a career but she found her calling in raising kids. A county spokesperson said that she is likely one of the longest-serving foster parents in the county, among those who have fostered the most amount of children. Jessica Reyes and Patricia Wu discuss Emma Patterson’s story with Dr. Jude Black.
Living a Life for Others
Foster care serves as a critical safety net for vulnerable children, providing them with temporary homes and support when their own families are unable to do so. The role of devoted foster parents in this system cannot be overstated. These selfless individuals open their hearts and homes to children in need, offering them stability, love, and a sense of belonging during challenging times. Foster parents play a vital role in nurturing a child’s emotional, physical, and psychological well-being, helping them heal from past traumas and develop into healthy, well-adjusted adults. Their dedication and commitment make an immeasurable difference in the lives of countless children, transforming foster care from a mere placement into a true haven of hope and healing.
