Building Pathways to Healing
National Foster Care Month at Pathway
May marks National Foster Care Month, a time to recognize the resilience of children in foster care and the dedication of those who support them. Established in 1988, this month-long observance encourages communities to reflect on the importance of foster care and the collective responsibility to ensure every child has a safe and loving home.
At Pathway Caring for Children, we are committed to helping children and families realize the possibilities of their lives through foster care, adoption, and mental health services. Founded in 1973, our mission is to strengthen the lives of children and families in Ohio. We provide comprehensive support, including pre-service training, 24/7 case management, and therapeutic resources to equip foster parents with the tools they need to make a lasting impact.
This National Foster Care Month, consider how you can contribute. Whether through fostering, volunteering, or supporting our mission, your involvement can help transform a child’s life. Join us in making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families in our communities.
Foster Care Today
Foster care is a vital safety net for children who cannot remain with their families due to abuse, neglect, or other crises. In Ohio, approximately 16,700 children are in foster care, yet only about 7,000 licensed foster homes are available to meet this need. Pathway Caring for Children serves 14 counties in Northeast Ohio, accounting for over 8,000 of these children. Despite this, we receive around 50 calls and referral requests weekly from county agencies seeking safe placement.
Children in foster care often face significant challenges. Many have experienced trauma, leading to emotional and behavioral issues. Around 68% of Pathway children are placed with at least one sibling, highlighting the importance of keeping families together when possible. The average length of stay in foster care is about two years, underscoring the need for stability and support during this critical period.
The demand for safe and loving foster homes is urgent. Pathway is actively seeking individuals and families willing to provide therapeutic foster care. Opening your heart and home can make a lasting difference in a child’s life.
Comprehensive Support for Foster Families
Our approach integrates foster care, mental health services, and family support to create a holistic safety net. We offer therapeutic services, including individual and family counseling, to help children and caregivers navigate the emotional complexities of foster care. Our Family Empowerment Program allows parents to build trust and manage challenging behaviors, fostering healthier family dynamics.
We also provide mentorship through our Youth Support Specialists, who spend 2 to 3 hours weekly with youth, engaging in activities that promote self-esteem, social skills, and emotional regulation. Pathway staff and liaisons also provide services through BRIDGES, Ohio’s post-emancipation support program that offers housing and other supportive services to young adults aging out of foster care.
Resilience and Hope
At Pathway Caring for Children, we believe every child deserves the chance to heal, grow, and feel loved. Foster Care is about more than providing a safe place to stay; it’s about offering the possibilities of transformation — from uncertainty to healing, from isolation to belonging. Here is one of the many stories that reflect the profound impact foster care can have on both children and families.
A Foster Family’s Journey
Luke and Gabby Berry’s story exemplifies the transformative power of foster care. In 2020, they welcomed Nathaniel, a two-month-old baby with a challenging medical prognosis, into their home. Despite over 200 medical appointments and Nathaniel’s diagnosis of cerebral palsy, their commitment never wavered. Their bond with Nathaniel’s birth mother deepened, culminating in adoption in 2024. Gabby reflects, “He truly is a blessing… waking up every day to his huge smile-it’s priceless”.
How Our Communities Can Help
It truly takes a village to support and nurture vulnerable children in our communities. While fostering a child may seem like a big responsibility, anyone willing to make a difference can step up. Fostering isn’t about being perfect—it’s about providing a safe, loving environment for children who need it most. Whether you’re a single individual, a couple, or a family, you can be a foster parent and change a child’s life.
But fostering isn’t the only way to make an impact. There are many other ways you can help. You can donate to support our programs and resources, ensuring that children in our care have everything they need to thrive. Volunteering your time and talents is another meaningful way to get involved. Whether assisting at events, offering mentorship, or helping with administrative tasks, your support can help lighten the load for families and staff.
Attending our community events is also a great way to raise awareness, build connections, and show your support. These events help unite like-minded individuals committed to making a lasting difference.
The need is great, but the opportunity to help is even greater. No matter how you choose to get involved, your actions will send a powerful message that together, we can help children grow, heal, and reach their full potential.
Honoring Our Foster Families
At Pathway Caring for Children, we are deeply grateful for our foster families’ unwavering dedication and compassion. These incredible individuals open their hearts and homes to children in need, providing them with the love, stability, and safety they deserve. Their selflessness creates a lasting impact, helping children heal, grow, and build brighter futures.
We also want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the broader community of support that makes this work possible. Our caseworkers, therapists, volunteers, donors, and staff play vital roles in supporting foster families and ensuring the well-being of every child in our care. This network of care and collaboration allows us to meet the unique needs of each child, guiding them toward a path of healing and success.
To our foster parents, thank you for your patience, resilience, and boundless love. You are truly the heart of our mission, and we could not do this work without you. To everyone who contributes to this journey, we honor and appreciate you. Together, we are making a difference, one child at a time. Thank you for being part of our community of care!
Be the Pathway
Every child deserves a pathway to hope, healing, and a brighter future. You can be a part of that journey. Whether you become a foster parent, make a donation, or share our mission with others, your involvement can create lasting change in a child’s life.
Take the next step today—reach out to us to learn more about how you can get involved. Your support, whether through your time, resources, or advocacy, is vital in helping these children thrive. We are deeply grateful to our current and future supporters. Together, we can ensure every child has a pathway to a brighter tomorrow.
