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For our social media volunteer Abbi Ladd, her connection to the foster care system runs deep. 

Abbi’s father spent part of his childhood in foster care and later became a caseworker, offering her a window into both the challenges and the possibilities of the system from an early age. During her experience as a teacher, that window only widened. 

“I remember wishing I could take every child home, just to give them a safe and loving place to land,” she recalls. “After Ash and I got married, we explored different ways to grow our family. But it became clear that foster care was where both our hearts were. We know there is a real and urgent need for foster parents, and we wanted to be part of meeting that need.”

“We know there is a real and urgent need for foster parents, and we wanted to be part of meeting that need." - Abbi

Their first placement arrived quickly. The child was 23 months old, and they accepted the placement despite their initial plan to foster children over age four. 

“It was a quick pivot,” Abbi laughs, “but one we’ve never regretted.” 

For Ash, fostering a toddler has been a lesson in resilience and presence. 

“What surprised me the most is how quickly they move on from hard moments,” says Ash. “It’s taught me not to dwell on the negative. I’ve also learned that nothing is worth arguing with a two-year-old about.”

Throughout their fostering experience, Abbi and Ash have leaned on each other and their community. 

“Our first reunification was heartbreaking,” Abbi says. “But even through the grief, we knew we were doing what was right for them. Reunification is the goal. Knowing that helped support that transition, even when it hurts.”

"Even through the grief, we knew we were doing what was right for them. Reunification is the goal." - Abbi

Abbi and Ash credit their support systems for helping them stay grounded, including the community through Foster Village Northeast KS. 

“The Welcome Packs felt like a hug when we needed it most,” says Abbi. “We received diapers, clothes, books, toothbrushes. Everything we needed when welcoming a new child. Those little things made such a difference in helping us feel prepared and supported right from day one.”

“The Welcome Packs felt like a hug when we needed it most... Those little things made such a difference in helping us feel prepared and supported right from day one.” - Abbi

Ash adds, “I’ve struggled with my mental health at times. But going to the Support Group and taking photos again, especially for Foster Village, has helped bring joy and purpose back into my life. It helps rebuild my sense of community. It’s so nice talking to people who understand what we’re going through and can validate what’s going on in our lives.”

Both Abbi and Ash now give back by volunteering with Foster Village Northeast KS. Abbi through social media storytelling and Ash through photography. Their hope is to reflect the beauty and complexity of foster care in a way that invites more people in.

“Being part of Foster Village has been one of the most fulfilling parts of our journey,” Abbi says. “This organization has lifted us up in ways we couldn’t have imagined, and being able to turn around and support other families feels like such a gift.”

➡️ Become part of the village for families like Abbi and Ash's right here in Northeast Kansas. Join The Village Partner Community of monthly contributors.