How Felicia Built a Forever Family Through Foster Care Adoption
On a beautiful spring day at the Old Courthouse in downtown Cleveland, OH, Felicia officially became the mother of her two children through foster care adoption.
I captured this heartwarming and, admittedly tear-jerking milestone through documentary photography, thanks to a pro bono project through Cleveland Angels. I asked Felicia to share her journey, from her lifelong passion for children to the emotional highs and challenges of foster parenting, and the incredible support system that helped her along the way.
Tell us a little about yourself. What would you want people to know about your life, work, or other interesting tidbits about Felicia?
As soon as someone asks me to talk about myself, my mind goes blank! But here goes—I am a mom to two beautiful adopted children, a title that still feels unfamiliar but fills me with so much joy. I have always loved children, which is why I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a kindergarten teacher.
As a child, I would accompany my mom to the City Mission on Saturdays to assist her with teaching first graders. As I got older, I volunteered as a junior teacher on Sundays. It was only natural for me to pursue a degree in Early Childhood Education and begin my career as a teacher. Over the past 17 years, I have primarily taught kindergarten, but I have also worked with all the grades within my licensure at some point.
A few fun tidbits about me:
I absolutely love the color pink (light pink, to be exact!).
I adore cats and have a 15-year-old gray short-haired companion named Shadow.
I am also a huge Hallmark Channel fan and make sure to watch every single Christmas movie they release each year. What can I say? I love love!
What inspired you to become a foster parent? How did that journey unfold?
In my 20s, I knew I wanted to be a foster mom, but I felt I needed more life experience first. Working in the inner-city public school system, I witnessed firsthand how children faced economic disadvantages. I wanted to make a difference—not just in the classroom, but in their lives as a whole.
Then, in the spring of 2019, a series of unexpected events pushed me to take action. Within a span of two weeks, I had multiple encounters that felt like clear signs:
I met an incredible woman at a local festival who had two small foster children with her. She introduced me to a network of foster moms, which became an invaluable support system.
I attended a jewelry party where the host was an adoptive mother, and we had a deep conversation about her journey.
A conversation with my father reminded me that he had been a foster parent when I was young, and I also had other family members currently fostering children.
Finally, a Facebook ad appeared for a foster parent information session happening the following month. That was the final push I needed.
After attending the session, I knew this was the right decision for me. I completed the required classes, paperwork, and home study process over several months.
However, I had to wait until my lease was up to move into a larger home. Then, the pandemic hit, and with schools shifting online, I postponed opening my home to foster children.
By 2021, I was still teaching remotely when I started receiving placement calls. Because I didn’t know when I’d return to in-person work, I declined several placements.
But I truly believe that God’s timing is perfect.
On May 6, 2021, I got the call that changed my life—there was a 2-month-old baby girl in need of a home. Without hesitation, I said YES! She arrived that night, and I officially became a foster mom. Sixteen months later, I said YES again—to her newborn baby brother.
What are some stereotypes about foster care that you’d like to challenge?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that everyone goes into foster care with the goal of adoption. That simply isn’t true. Most foster parents want to provide a safe and nurturing environment while the biological family works toward reunification.
Foster parents serve as temporary caregivers, offering stability and love during uncertain times. While adoption can happen, the primary goal of the foster care system is to support family reunification whenever possible.
Author’s note: Foster care adoption of infants is rare, which is what makes Felicia’s story incredibly special.
What has been challenging about being a foster parent?
One of the most challenging aspects has been navigating relationships with biological families. While I want to be supportive, I also have to maintain boundaries while complying with the requirements of the foster care system.
Another major challenge is the emotional rollercoaster that comes with fostering. Regular visits with biological families can be traumatic and inconsistent, leaving the child in distress. As a foster parent, you provide comfort and stability after each visit—only for the cycle to repeat again and again, sometimes for months or even years.
Do you have a good community to support you?
Absolutely! I have been incredibly blessed with a loving and supportive community.
My family and friends embraced my children from the very beginning.
My foster mom friends have been an amazing source of laughter, advice, and encouragement.
And my church family has welcomed us with open arms and continuously supports foster care initiatives in the community.
What has been the most rewarding part of your foster care journey?
This journey has been long, but it has been so worth it. The most rewarding part has been creating my forever family with my two children. They also have a biological baby sister, and my hope for the future is that we can maintain a positive and healthy relationship with her and their birth mother.
What else would you like others to know about foster care?
You don’t have to be a foster parent to support the system! Organizations like Cleveland Angels need monetary donations, volunteers to support foster families, and mentors to walk alongside children in the foster care system.
I am truly grateful to be part of the Cleveland Angels Love Box Program. My “Love Angel” has been an incredible support and friend throughout this journey, and I encourage anyone interested to get involved.
Final Thoughts
Felicia’s journey is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and community. Her story reminds us that every child deserves a safe and loving home—whether through foster care, adoption, or community support.
If you're inspired to help, consider reaching out to Cleveland Angels and making a difference in the life of a foster child today.
