Fostering Our Future

Shannon Reagan-Shaw and Matthew Shaw from Dane County, WI

Foster parents, Shannon Reagan-Shaw and Matthew Shaw of Dane County have shown exceptional dedication to both our country and foster children. Matt and Shannon have been foster parents since 2007 for all ages of children, and they have made a tremendous difference in the lives of children in their care. In addition to helping children, Matt is also a member of the National Guard and is currently deployed overseas.

Shannon has also put a major life goal on hold to dedicate more time to the children in her care. When two children came to live with Matt and Shannon again after having several other placements, Shannon decided to put her education on hold to be at home full-time with the children. Shannon was pursuing a Ph.D. at University of Wisconsin Madison, but felt that the children needed 24-hour attention, especially due to the instability they had experienced from moving from home to home. She and Matt both sacrificed for the safety and happiness of the two foster children and are now in the process of adopting them.

Shannon Reagan-Shaw and Matthew Shaw received the 2010 Governor's Foster Care Award for their extraordinary sacrifice and generosity to foster children and families in Dane County.