The forecast predicted rain; however, there was only excitement in the air as foster families from all over the Portland area enjoyed an afternoon at Lee Farms.
With Love and the accounting firm Pittman Brooks, sponsored this “Foster Family Day out” event at Lee Farms. Nintey-nine people showed up to enjoy unlimited fall festival activities, complete with hot cider and donuts.
Foster mother Veronica Darling was one of the foster parents who enjoyed the day with her family. She and her husband have seven children in their home: three biological, one adopted and three foster.
“The afternoon was not only fun, but it really honored our family.” Veronica says that she appreciates how With Love puts on events that include the whole family, not excluding her biological kids.
“With Love has been awesome at honoring all of us all the time."
Her children range from the ages 5-14.
She and her husband have been foster parents for 12 years, beginning with a desire to adopt through first fostering.
Veronica was introduced to With Love through a church event a few years ago. She began volunteering in the warehouse as a leader, facilitating groups as they came in to organize and sort donations.
She also began to receive the donations for her foster children.
“The tangible support we receive from With Love is definitely so helpful. It’s amazing to be able to receive new or like new clothes every ninety days.” says Veronica. “Events like the pumpkin patch help foster parents feel less alone in this. We are acknowledged.”
Christa Insley is another foster mother who enjoyed the afternoon at Lee Farms. She has been a foster mom for 7 years, caring for 28 foster children; she eventually adopted her son at three years of age.
They have attended several foster family events. “They are always so much fun. The one at Lee Farms, my kids had a blast. My son said it was ‘the best day ever.’ It was nice to be able to include the whole family. My kids are still talking about it.”
On the way out, each family was gifted a Craft and Boogie kit, a halloween blanket and some other seasonal goodies.
The afternoon was a big success, and the hope is to make this an annual event. As always, With Love couldn’t do events like these without faithful supporters and advocates.
It was a day filled With Love and pumpkins!
And this time of year, there’s nothing better. :)
