Fostering Our Future

Linda and Bill Dobbe from Rosholt, WI

Linda and Bill have been exceptional foster parents in Portage County for over six years. They serve not only as foster parents, but also as mentors to young single mothers. Their flexibility allows them to take on emergency placements, sibling placements, and help in reunification efforts.

Both Linda and Bill are active in local support groups for foster parents, and they lead ongoing foster parent training. Linda has been the foster parent pre-placement co-trainer for a number of years, making herself available to incoming as well as more experienced foster parents for further discussion or support during a particularly challenging time. The Dobbes are highly respected in Portage County for their efforts and dedication to foster children and other foster parents.

One of their current foster children is in the process of adoption, and the Dobbes have played a large role in helping the transition become a positive experience for the child. He has a genetic disorder and is gradually losing his sight, and the Dobbes have worked to help him develop strategies to cope with his gradual loss of vision. In following the recommendations of social workers and doctors, they are helping the child not only to transition to his adoptive family, but also in his future as his sight deteriorates.

Linda and Bill received the 2010 Governor's Foster Care Award on May 18 at the State Capitol for their dedication to foster children.