Featured Foster Family: Lakyn and Chris
Meet Family Works foster parents Lakyn and Chris. They live in Stevens Point and have been doing foster care with Family Works for almost 2 years now.
What Inspired You?
Lakyn and Chris shared that they have always wanted to become parents. When becoming parents naturally wasn’t happening for them, they decided to explore other options. They considered different ways that they would be able to fulfill the desire they had in their hearts to grow their family. They thought a lot about wanting to help children that were in tough situations, and ultimately, their heart led them to get licensed as foster parents. After making this decision, they were very thoughtful and planful in moving forward. Lakyn shared that she had a foster care packet from her county for years and it was just very overwhelming. When she was at an event, Lakyn started talking with a friend of hers that just so happened to work with Family Works as a respite provider. When Lakyn was sharing with her friend about wanting to start a family and her interest in foster care, her friend suggested she go through Family Works.
Lakyn and Chris share that their long-term goal is to adopt, but they are also content being a short-term safe place for a child to land. They want to be a family that brings joy, love and happiness to every child that comes into their home. Down the road, they would love to get a bigger house so that they can continue to foster more children.
Family Time
Lakyn and Chris live together in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. They have four small dogs; two French bulldogs and two pugs named Harper, Mocha, Winnie, and Frankie. Lakyn and Chris are an active family. They enjoy going for bike rides and spending their summers at the ballpark. Chris plays softball throughout the summer and you can find Lakyn and her kiddo there supporting him. They love to stay busy and attend different events around their community. If there is a community event whether it be a festival or concert, they will be there. Each summer they enjoy going to Wisconsin Dells. They started this tradition to celebrate their anniversary and since adding foster kiddos into their home, this has turned into a yearly family vacation. On the days that they aren’t out and about, they enjoy having family time at home. They recently started doing pizza and movie nights on Fridays.
Why Continue?
Navigating the foster care system can be tough at times, but there are many reasons to keep going. Lakyn shares that her favorite part about being a foster parent is being able to watch the child grow, excel, and thrive when in a safe and supportive home. Lakyn adds that they have a lot of love to give, and they enjoy being able to share that love with a child in need of that love and support. Chris shares that his favorite part about being a foster parent is being able to teach the child new things and watch them remember new things and learn from him. He likes the idea of helping someone learn new tasks or skills and watching them grow. Chris adds that even if learning is through redirection, he enjoys teaching them that redirection can come from a place of love and care. Lakyn and Chris took placement of a young girl in May 2024 who they have such a strong relationship with. Lakyn shares “that little girl is my whole world, and I just cherish her so much”. Lakyn shares that you form bonds with these children and ideally, that bond will always be there, no matter where they end up. Their hope for every kiddo that comes into their home is that they can provide them with positive life-long support and connections.
Biggest Challenges
There are many challenges that foster parents face when navigating the foster care system. Lakyn shares that there can be a lot of stress in parenthood in general and then adding social worker visits, family visits, and court hearings can be another layer of stress and chaos, but “at the end of the day, it is all worth it”. Lakyn shares that although everything they do is worth it, it can also be heartbreaking at times hearing about some of the terrible things that have happened to the child before coming into care. “How can someone so tiny have gone through so much hurt?”.
Words of Advice from Lakyn and Chris
- Be patient and understanding. Go in with an open mind.
- Be ready for anything. Every day could look so different. Things may change from one day to the next.
- Be flexible. You are always going to be learning new things. Every child is so different. What works for one, might not work for the next.
- Roll with the punches. For example, when our kiddo first came, she told everyone she was in foster care. Now, she doesn’t want other people knowing. Take their lead!
- Always remember the good that you are doing, even on hard days. At the end of the day, that is why you are here.
- You must have a good support system to lean on!
Why Family Works?
As mentioned above, Lakyn and Chris were referred to Family Works by a friend that also does respite care through Family Works. Lakyn and Chris express several reasons why they enjoy working with Family Works. Lakyn states, “You guys advocate for families, and you don’t always hear that when going through other agencies. Family Works truly supports and advocates for their families”. Lakyn shares that they are very happy working with Family Works and notes that it is refreshing to have everything feel “so smooth”. Lakyn adds that when looking over referrals, there is never any pressure to say yes. Family Works wants to make sure the child is a good match in your home.
Family Works Social Worker says:
“Lakyn and Chris have been absolutely wonderful to work with. They have a warm and welcoming home environment. They have a trauma informed lens to their parenting and navigate difficult and stressful situations with care. They are truly so supportive, patient, and kind. They are strong advocates for the child in their care and always want the best for her. They have been wonderful at ensuring sibling connections are maintained, even driving several hours for a visit. I am so thankful to work with such amazing foster parents!”