Family First
Home is where the heart is. The foundation of how to carry yourself in a world full of uncertainty typically happens under one roof. Being in a family means more than just having the coolest people on Earth be a part of your best moments. It means having ties so close that you’ll always feel supported no matter what kind of struggle you may be going against.
Keith Howard and his wife, Staci, are parents to six wonderful kids. He was inspired by an event that happened back in August 2012 when Keith was running an emergency foster care shelter. Howard received a call that would alter his entire future for the best.
“Child protective services says, hey Keith, we got this sibling group of four sitting in our office. We’ve tried all day to find a home for these kids. Could you just take them for a weekend?”
Keith has a soft spot for children. His empathy was one to admire and quickly did not hesitate to do something about this. Many people would have hesitated at the thought of providing these children a lovely new home. Not Keith. He definitely knew the right thing to do.
Many children go separated from their siblings once they get adopted from foster care.
What’s worse is that many of them go about their whole lives not seeing each other again! It’s an issue that has been addressed many times for those living in foster care.
“A lot of families don’t have the space,” said Keith. “Not only were they losing their mom or their dad because of circumstances that they didn’t create they were now re-traumatized or re-victimized because they are separated from their siblings. The person that you should have the longest relationship in your life – with your sibling.”
Howard knew he to do something because the alternative could end up negatively impacting their lives forever. So what did he decide to do after thinking about his next move? Well, it really was a no brainer for Howard’s big heart.
“If they didn’t go into the shelter they would’ve gone into two, three, maybe four homes and I don’t know if they would have ever been back together,” said Staci.
The four children: Koby, Kylie, Bailey, and Emma were all adopted months later!
That tallied their family to a count of six. The kids are really liking their new living experience and have made themselves feel at home. It’s wonderful when you have parents like Keith and Staci Howard to help build a nurturing environment.
It makes sense when you consider Keith is president and CEO of Circle of Care. The organization has helped raise $4 million to construct homes for families that are willing to take sets of siblings.
Keith’s work has impacted the lives of foster siblings and families alike.
Helping children thrive is really the only plan. Keith’s vision has made many people rethink their views on adopting and changed their perspectives entirely.
“There’s kids living this hard reality every day and so we need good people, strong people to step up and give safe homes, safe families and lots of love to these kids,”
This wholesome story is enough to make us burst of joy. Be sure to check the video and see just how well the family is doing together!
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