Leona

“IF YOU HAVE A HEART FOR CHILDREN, YOU’RE CAPABLE OF BEING A FOSTER PARENT.”

I Just Knew

Some people spend their entire lives trying to find their calling in this world. Fortunately for me, I found mine at a young age. Before I was married. Before I could vote. Before I could drive a car. I knew I wanted to be a foster parent and eventually adopt children of my own.

There is nothing easy about being a foster parent. You will face new challenges each and every day. But if you have a heart for children, you’re capable of being a foster parent.

You’re Not Alone

I consider it a blessing to be a foster parent, but even blessings will have trying times. And that’s where Family & Children Services came in for me. They are there with you through the entire process – like a close friend. Fostering and adoption are quite a process, but just knowing that you don’t have to do it alone makes all the difference.

For us, the fostering and adoption of a child are celebrated events in our lives. I’m called to impact children’s lives, one child at a time.

My name is Leona, and I help change the story.

With the generous help of Family & Children Services, Leona was able to change the story.

Health

We are making sure people have access to physical and mental health care, and that babies are born healthy. We work with health care providers to keep costs low and make sure services are available for those with little or no health insurance.

Income

We’re helping families become – and stay – self-sufficient by investing in programs that help them stay in their homes, through rental assistance, budgeting and financial counseling. We also help people become financially stable by supporting job training and retention programs, and through the Tax Counseling Initiative and the Emergency Food and Shelter program.

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June 10, 2026

Welcoming the 25-Year Employees’ Fund to United Way of South Central Michigan

May 7, 2026

Shining Light on Volunteers: Residents Who Serve Community

April 22, 2026

Analysis of Governor Whitmer Budget Priorities FY 2027

March 4, 2026

Cereal Sale Returns to Benefit Battle Creek

February 23, 2026

Jackson Organizations Receive Disaster Relief Funding

February 17, 2026

211: More Than A Number

February 11, 2026

Capital Area Child Care Coalition Receives Renewed Funding to Strengthen Regional Child Care System

January 21, 2026

Consortium Aims for Rapid Social Services Response When Disasters Strike Capital Area

January 13, 2026

Volunteers Sought as VITA Plans Free Tax Clinics

December 18, 2025