Meet Foster Parents – Leanna & Doug:
Leanna and Doug arrived at the fostering experience in two different ways but made a perfect team in doing so. Leanna knew that this was what she had wanted for her whole life. She has been in a helping profession for years and knew the need for solid foster parents. She grew up with a grandmother who was the home in which neighborhood kids could find peace. She always knew that she wanted to also provide this space. Doug is an easy-going guy, and he wanted nothing more than to make Leanna happy in pursuing this endeavor. He has grown to love this experience just as much as Leanna does. He says that the children make it worth it. Preston, their son, had a large impact on proceeding with this as well. He was very open to this experience and thinks that it is important work.
The word family is not limited to blood relatives, but rather anyone who has made a connection with them. Leanna, Doug, and their son have huge hearts, and they have accomplished becoming the home where others find peace and understanding. Their motto is if you are allowed back in our doors, you are considered family. They strive to give back to the community by being a supportive pillar for so many children, whether they are fostering or family friends.
Family Lifestyle
Leanna and Doug’s family is very family centered. They like to be on the move and enjoy the world around them. They enjoy going to local events, being active in their community, having friends/family over, vacationing and enjoying time in their backyard. They include their foster/respite children in all the family activities as if they are their own children. The Hagen-Kovach’s are Disney and Christmas enthusiasts. Their Christmas tree was decorated as Mickey Mouse this year. Their yard is one that everyone loves to drive by during the Holiday season. From the music to the lights- they have it all. They love to travel to Disney World, and they just traveled to Disney Land for the first time this year. The family feels that their lifestyle has not changed much, and they are very flexible if modifications are needed to accommodate the children they foster.
The family functions well on structure and routine. This assists with the busy lifestyle that they live. Doug and Leanna set firm expectations and boundaries for the children residing and visiting the home. The family will often contribute to the maintenance of the home (yard work, garbage, laundry, small projects, etc.) by completing the chores together so they can move on to the fun activities they have planned.
What Keeps them going?
Leanna and Doug say that the thing that keeps them going is the children and seeing how big a difference they can make just by being a safe space for them. They want to teach the children tools that they can use throughout their lives and be a place that they always feel welcome back to. Activities that they feel are mundane are huge for some of the children that they care for. Being able to see that play out is so motivating.
Words of Advice:
Being a parent is a challenge in and of itself. Being a foster parent can be more challenging due to the circumstances of the children that we care for. It is important to dig deep and find your why. It’s not about you and how it makes you feel. It’s about what you’re doing for your children and families. It is important to reflect on your own biases and ensure that you are supporting everyone. Each placement may be different, but it is imperative to teach the children tools that they can utilize throughout their life.
Why Family Works?
Leanna and Doug met some staff at Family Works and connected very well with them. They were welcoming, understanding, and helpful. They helped the family to build trust in Family Works and created a great relationship. They are now 3 years in, 4 foster placements and several respite children later, and they still value the relationship they have with Family Works.
Social Worker says:
In the short amount of time that I have known this family, I have learned that they are committed to being the best they can be for the children they work with. They are kind, understanding, and generous people. They truly are the family that children feel they are always welcome back again, and I have witnessed that firsthand. Leanna, Doug, and their son Preston are smitten by the children that they are currently caring for and it shows in each visit with them. I love that this family understands the needs of the children. But on the other hand, they can also be understanding of the biological parents and their circumstances. It is hard to compartmentalize in complex situations and I feel that they do it gracefully.
