Contact a foster parent recruiter

Tameka R. Rice
Foster Parent Recruiter/Trainer
(931) 560-4250
tameka.rice@youthvillages.org

2009 Orientation and training schedule

Orientation: Are you thinking about becoming a foster parent but need more information to determine whether it is the right fit for you? Attend an Information Session to learn more about Youth Villages Foster Care.  Please contact Tameka Rice at 931-560-4250 or tameka.rice@youthvillages.org if interested in attending.

Upcoming Information Sessions-
December 3rd at 1:00 p.m.
December 7th at 5:00 p.m.
December 16th at 1:00 p.m.
December 21st at 5:00 p.m.
December 29th at 10:00 a.m.

Location: 115 Dyer Street Suite 1, Columbia 38401; receptionist will show you to the room. Snacks available; children are welcome.

Orientations can also be scheduled to meet your individual needs. Contact Tameka Rice to schedule a private orientation.

To become a certified foster parent, you must attend training classes.

Next Classes Begin Saturday, January 9th! Call (931) 560-4250 Now to Reserve Your Spot!

Training takes place at the Youth Villages Columbia office at 115 Dyer Street, Suite 1.

Do you need more information? Please contact Tameka Rice, foster parent recruiter, at (931) 560-4250 or e-mail her at tameka.rice@youthvillages.org.

The "king" of foster parents

Michael and Kathleen King have five children. Three of their children are biological, one child is adopted, and one is in foster care; but the way they treat each child, one would never know which child was which. "All of the kids are family," says foster parent Kathleen King, "so the younger ones accept them as brothers."

Mr. and Mrs. King first became interested in foster care after reading the book A Child Called 'It,' which helped them realize they could make a lasting impact on a child in need. Mr. and Mrs. King have been foster parents for five years now and have fostered five children total, one of whom they adopted. Mrs. King says the best thing about fostering is "seeing the changes that occur in the kids while in foster care... knowing that you are making a difference in their lives." Mr. and Mrs. King especially enjoy fostering teenagers, saying it gives them "the ability to engage in different pro-social activities."

Of course, fostering abused and neglected children has its challenges. When a child in the care of Mr. and Mrs. King feels sad or angry due to problems in the past, the Kings step in to help. "We accept every child as they are, regardless of their past mistakes. We treat them as family right from the start," says Mrs. King. And the counselors of Youth Villages are always there to assist. Mrs. King says the counselors have helped her family "by providing guidance when needed, either by phone or in person. We feel supported."

Mrs. King recalls her most rewarding moment as a resource parent. "Our adopted foster child willingly changed his last name to King, which is ours. We explained he didn't have to, but he really wanted to." Mrs. King hopes others will be motivated to help needy children just as her family has. "We always recommend fostering. We advise those interested to have an open mind and heart. Be steadfast, and you'll be fine."