Fostering Our Future

Michell Hardrath from Hales Corners, WI

Michell began foster parenting through caring for her nephew, in spite of the strains that it put on her immediate family; Michell knew that it was the right thing to do. Since then she has been a foster parent for 15 months to a child with serious behavioral and emotional needs. In her unfailing dedication to this child, she has worked with his doctors to try new medications and therapies. She has even been in close contact with the child's biological mother. Michell is very emotional about the struggle that it has been in finding help for the young boy's behavior needs, but has hope for his future.

Michell also cares for a young woman who is experiencing her fourth time in out of home care. She suffers from some behavioral issues and has disruptive sleep patterns. In spite of the challenges of fostering, Michell says that she would open her home to adopt either of these children. She is a truly dedicated foster parent who never misses a beat, caring for more than just the basic needs of these foster children.