Devoted Servants

Rick and Jessica became licensed foster parents through ABCS’ Arms of Love Foster Care in October. Soon after, they welcomed two brothers, ages one and two, into their home through an emergency placement. The boys brought significant behavioral challenges, including food hoarding, aggressive play and developmental delays.

Rick and Jessica quickly realized that the children struggled with food deprivation and signs of binge-purge syndrome. They arranged feeding therapy to address the issue and enrolled the boys in trauma, occupational and speech therapy to support their overall development.

When the older brother turned three, he began attending developmental preschool. The classroom environment gave him tools to manage delays and behavioral issues, and he began making steady progress.

Throughout their foster journey, Rick and Jessica leaned on support from ABCS and the community. They participated in respite care and attended events hosted by local churches, which gave them time to rest and recharge. Jessica joined every team meeting and regularly updated the Arms of Love staff, helping the team make timely and informed decisions.

When the Department of Child Safety located the boys’ biological father, Rick and Jessica chose to build a relationship with him. They helped facilitate phone calls and offered encouragement and support. Rick built trust through consistent communication and showed genuine care for the father’s role in his sons’ lives.

Eventually, the boys reunited with their father. Thanks to the loving care of Rick and Jessica, they made significant progress in their development and emotional well-being.

At ABCS, we thank God for foster families like Rick and Jessica who not only welcome children into their homes but also extend love to their families. Their story shows the power of Christ-centered foster care to bring healing, hope and restoration.