Jerry and Tessa didn’t grow up the same way—but their shared faith and love for children brought them together on the journey of foster care. Now licensed for over a year, they’ve opened their home and hearts to children who need safety, structure, and support.

Different Backgrounds, Shared Mission

Q: Share a little bit about your family.
Jerry: I grew up surrounded by love, understanding, and solid guidance. My grandfather stepped in as a father figure and taught me the value of faith, family, and consistency. Church was a big part of our lives, and I still try to live out the lessons he taught me.

Tessa: My childhood looked different. My parents’ relationship was hostile and eventually ended in divorce. We moved a lot, but church was a constant, even if not always in one place. Through it all, my faith in God anchored me. Looking back, those tough years shaped me. I didn’t enjoy them at the time, but they help me relate to and care for the children we foster today.

Starting the Foster Journey

Q: How long have you been fostering?
A: We’ve been licensed just over a year. Before that, we did kinship fostering for six months with our granddaughter, so in total, about a year and a half.

Why We Chose to Foster

Q: What made you want to become foster parents?
Jerry: We love kids and know that not every child gets a fair shot at a stable home. We wanted to provide that.

Tessa: I always dreamed of being a mom. When we didn’t have children of our own, I felt God leading us to foster. It was time to step up and care for kids who need a safe place.

The Toughest Moments

Q: What has been the hardest part about fostering?
Jerry: Seeing kids arrive with almost nothing—maybe a grocery bag with a few clothes, sometimes not even shoes. The fear and uncertainty in their eyes is heartbreaking.

Tessa: I agree. It’s hard watching kids come from abuse or neglect, scared and unsure of what’s next. It’s also tough when they return to situations that may not have truly changed. Some reunifications are wonderful, but others feel incomplete. The house feels empty afterward—no more little feet or bedtime routines. Even the goodbyes feel like a loss.

The Sweetest Parts

Q: What has been the sweetest part about fostering?
Jerry: Watching kids realize someone is truly there for them. Someone who listens, accepts them, and offers love without conditions.

Tessa: It’s incredible seeing them grow into themselves—knowing they’re safe and loved. Being there during such a confusing time and offering consistency makes every moment worth it.

What We’ve Learned and Want to Share

Q: What advice would you share with others who are considering becoming foster parents?
Jerry: Be ready to adjust. Every child has different needs. Some have missed out on basics—food, hygiene, attention. Don’t push too hard. Let them build trust at their pace. Once they do, it changes everything.

Tessa: Ignore the critics. Set strong boundaries—for yourself and for the kids. Keep rules simple and consistent. Give them space and respond with patience. Don’t be afraid to take a breath when you need one. Fostering is parenting—with extra challenges. Kids need normalcy and structure, even if they’re only with you for a little while.

More Than Just a House

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Jerry: Ask for help and keep your support system close. This isn’t easy work, but it’s rewarding.

Tessa: Set limits and celebrate wins. Ask for help when you need it. At first, I thought we had everything figured out. Then came curveballs—job changes, placements arriving with nothing. We reached out to our church and found incredible support. That helped us—and the kids—feel more connected and cared for.

We teach our foster kids life skills too—how to help around the house, serve at events, and take responsibility. Watching them apply those lessons makes my heart smile. They’re learning things they’ll carry into adulthood.

Fostering with Purpose

The Stones know fostering isn’t just about giving kids a place to stay—it’s about helping them heal, grow, and find stability, even if only for a season. Through faith, flexibility, and a lot of love, they’re making a real impact in Mohave County.

We’re here to support you every step of the way.

Take the Next Step
→ Learn more about fostering.
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