When Chris and Tara were preparing to foster, they faced many obstacles. Tara shared,
“Nothing about our family beginning to foster children looked like a great decision from the outside: two young biological kids, two full-time working parents and a work-in-progress house. We were very aware just how very insane this was. God had put growing our family through fostering on our hearts for many years though, and (then) He said, “Go.” He also impressed on both our hearts that we needed to accept siblings, a real need in the foster care system. There were quite a few financial, time, and space obstacles to overcome.”
To become eligible to foster, DFCS (Department of Family and Children Services) required Chris and Tara to open up a 4th bedroom. The only option was, at the time, their biological kid’s playroom. That meant that the (soon to be) four children would need a place to play together and run around. The only location to do that was an unfinished basement which was not safe for children, and needed a lot of work. Flooring and lighting needed to be installed, as well as building and finishing walls.
Tara spoke to the importance of having the work done. She said, “For children who are healing from neglect, abuse, or an unstable living situation, our goal is to interact as a family as much as possible, rather than isolating kids in their bedrooms.” Chris and Tara were able to pay for the needed materials and provide some volunteers from the gym Chris works at, as well as from their family and church. Ultimately this led to two beautiful sisters, ages two and four, being rescued from foster care and ultimately adopted. HRM supporters helped make it possible for HRM to lead and guide the project, as well as consult with the Fischers on the needed basement work.
