Home is associated with comfort, warmth, security, belonging, love and more.
Sadly, more than 13,500 children is Missouri are unable to make that association. As part of the foster care system, a lack of foster families and foster homes relegates these children to residential care facilities.
During May's observance of Foster Care Month, area foster families and supporters gathered Wednesday for the first "Light the Way" event, designed to raise awareness of the plight of foster children.
The event - which featured the release of 130 lighted balloons, each symbolizing 100 children in the system - was sponsored by the Central Missouri Foster Care and Adoption Association (CMFCAA).
Becoming a foster parent requires an uncommon commitment. Among the precipitants in the event was foster parent Karen Ryals, who said: "It's the hardest job you'll ever love."
Recognizing the commitment to become a foster parent may seem daunting, CMFCAA Director DeAnna Alonso suggests participation in respite care as a gradual introduction to the process.
"It's short-term care, and it provides a glimpse of foster children and the trauma they've experienced," Alonso said. The trauma may include exposure to substance abuse, poverty, abuse or neglect. "One way you can help the most is giving them the opportunity to play and have fun, and give an opportunity for foster parents to take a break "
Tim Decker, director of Missouri's Children's Division, acknowledged the process of placement and/or adoption can be lengthy, but the rewards are great for both foster parents and children.
"The way hope is provided is to show them through love and relationships," he said. "It's something we can only show them by taking a personal interest in that child and what they're interested in. It's something we can only do by making personal sacrifices."
More than 13,500 Missouri children are awaiting foster parents willing to make personal sacrifice, share their homes and offer comfort, security and love.
Participating in respite care is an ideal way to learn more about the responsibilities and rewards of "the hardest job you'll ever love."