The St. Croix County Foster Care Team is excited to announce that local foster parents will be the Grand Marshals in the 47th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New Richmond. We hope you will join us Sunday, March 17, to celebrate our local foster parents and highlight the need for foster homes and respite provider in our County.
- Sunday, March 17
- Parade will begin at 4 p.m.
- New Richmond, WI
Learn More About this Event
These amazing local foster parents provide children with a temporary home and family while their parents are unable to meet their needs and keep them safe. We’ve asked a couple of the foster parents participating in the parade about their experiences.
The Larson Family
Brody, Jamie, and their son, Landry, started their foster care adventure in 2019 because they had extra room in their home and hearts. Their journey, initiated by a call to St. Croix County Children Services, has been filled with both rewarding experiences and challenges, teaching them invaluable lessons about love, support, and family.
Among the most touching moments for the Larsons was witnessing the reunification of their two foster daughters with their father. This experience highlights the impact foster families can have on the lives they touch.
Foster care reminds them every day that the best things in life are not things. They told us “Every single person wants and deserves to feel loved and what a gift it is to be able to show each other grace and love in a world that can sometimes feel incredibly messy. Foster Care has taught us to love a little harder with zero regrets.”
When asked what advice they would give to anyone considering foster care, the Larson’s said “Embrace vulnerability and say yes to the journey. It's a path that promises to change lives—both for the foster children and the families that welcome them.”
Photo of the Larson Family.
The Coward Family
Motivated by the desire to provide love, support, and a provide a sense of belonging, Ann and Ken Coward opened their doors and hearts to children in need.
Among the most rewarding aspects of their foster care experience has been witnessing the growth and development of the children in their care. Seeing children evolve, understanding their uniqueness, and assisting them in finding permanent homes where they are cherished has been incredibly fulfilling.
Fostering, however, is not without its challenges. There can be behavioral and emotional hurdles, stemming from the difficult circumstances children have faced. These experiences taught them patience, understanding, and the importance of providing a stable and loving environment.
For those considering the path of fostering, their advice is clear “It is rewarding being able to provide a loving and caring space for a child in need.”
Photo of the Coward Family.
The Nelson Family
Dan and Kim, along with their children Damian, Kelsey, and Dylan embarked on the rewarding journey of foster care after experiencing the joys and challenges of providing weekend respite care. Their story is one of growth, understanding, and the shared joys of new experiences.
One of the most gratifying aspects of their foster care experience has been the opportunity to introduce foster children to new, healthy experiences. But it's not just the foster children who are learning; Dan, Kim, and their kids are also learning valuable lessons in compassion and understanding for people with different upbringings.
A standout moment in their fostering journey involves Eli, a foster child who took up wrestling despite starting later than his peers. Watching Eli progress, understand the sport, and eventually win first place in a tournament has been a highlight for the family, showcasing the impact of support and encouragement.
For those considering becoming a foster parent, Dan and Kim suggest starting with respite care. They told us “Start with respite if you aren’t sure. You do not have to commit to full-time fostering until you are ready. You could stick with only doing respite and still fill a critical need in these kids’ lives.”
Photo of the Nelson Family.
The Anton Family
The Antons, a bustling family of seven children, three bonus kids, and one grandchild, embarked on their journey into foster care in 2010. With a house larger than their immediate needs, they felt a calling to open their home and hearts to children in need, embracing the challenges and rewards that come with foster care.
For the Anton family, one of the most rewarding aspects of fostering has been the opportunity to witness and contribute to the healing and reunification of families. They've found joy in staying connected with the children they've cared for, celebrating recovery and growth together.
Foster care certainly presents its share of challenges. Each child has their own unique background and experiences. Adjusting to a completely new environment can be overwhelming for them, and for foster parents as well. Over the years, the Antons have learned how to make that experience better and meet the children where they are. They noted that building trust takes time, but these children become cherished members of our family.
Their advice for anyone thinking about fostering? “If you can, do it! Despite its challenges, foster care is incredibly worthwhile. There's an urgent need for loving homes for so many children. While it's not an easy journey, the rewards are immeasurable when you witness the positive impact you can have on these kids' lives. Every effort to provide stability and love to children in foster care is invaluable and can make a lasting difference in their futures.”
Photo of the Anton Family. For privacy the identity of the foster children are being kept private.
Learn More
St. Croix County is in need of foster parents and respite providers. Discover how you can be the difference for youth in foster care by contacting our Foster Care team.
Visit our Foster Care Page for more information.