Terah and Elijah, a young couple from the Central Region, started fostering in 2023. Since becoming licensed, they’ve welcomed two children into their home. They approach the joys and challenges of foster care with steady faith and a strong sense of community.

Lifelong Connection and Shared Purpose

Q: Share a little bit about your family.
A: We’ve known each other our entire lives and have grown up attending the same church. We’ve now been married for three years and have had the joy of welcoming two foster placements into our home. We enjoy reading, going on walks and spending quality time with both our families and our church community.

A Journey That Started Quickly

Q: How long have you been fostering?
A: We’ve been fostering for about a year and a half. We officially became licensed in November 2023 and received our first placement the very same day!

Called to Care, Guided by Faith

Q: What made you want to become foster parents?
A: Growing up, we were surrounded by families in our church who fostered, and since then we’ve felt called to care for children who need a safe and loving home and to share with them the love of Jesus. While we originally thought this would be something we’d pursue later in life, our journey through infertility helped us see that God was opening the door to foster care now.

Learning to Live in the Unknown

Q: What has been the hardest part about fostering?
A: One of the biggest challenges has been living in the unknown. We constantly have to remind ourselves to trust God’s plan for each child placed in our care. While we may think we know what’s best, we rest in the truth that His ways are higher than ours and He loves these children even more than we do.

The Joy of Connection and Growth

Q: What has been the sweetest part about fostering?
A: The greatest joy has been the children we’ve had the privilege of welcoming into our home and watching them grow, heal and thrive. Additionally, we’ve been incredibly blessed to develop a strong, ongoing relationship with the biological family of our first placement. It’s been a gift to continue being part of his life and witness his growth after reunification.

Encouragement for Future Foster Parents

Q: What advice would you share with others who are considering becoming foster parents?
A: If God is stirring your heart toward foster care, but you’re feeling inadequate or fearful, know this: He will equip you for the journey.

Foster Care Starts with a Willing Heart

The DeBenedettos entered foster care with a willing heart, steady faith and a desire to love children well. They continue to grow through every placement and every relationship, trusting that God works through each step of their journey.

If they can do it so can you, take the first step and discover how your “yes” can impact a child’s future.

Take the Next Step
→ Learn more about fostering.
→ Connect with our team to get started!