7th of May 2018

Being a foster parent is something that comes naturally to Waridi Heard, a resource parent at Trinity Youth Services. After raising her own children, Waridi felt it was her calling to help boys in crisis live happy and successful lives. Currently fostering three boys, Waridi’s mission is to help traumatized boys learn the value of self-love, compassion and respect.

Q: What is the most rewarding thing about being a foster parent?

A: Seeing a child transform before my very eyes. Seeing young men have self-respect, the ability to respect others and be able to receive and give love back. It’s a joy seeing their chivalrous behaviors and teaching them how to be of service.

Q: How did becoming a foster parent change your life for the better?

A:  I worked alongside of my mom. She had a group home in 1990 and had it for about ten years. We helped care for medically fragile children, and I saw the need. I also saw that you could treat the children like your own child. I believe that God placed it in my heart. Our young men are suffering. I want to give boys the opportunity to live and do so more abundantly.

Q: Why was becoming a foster parent important to you?

A: I realized that it was my purpose. Giving back to children is where my gift is. It has opened up the parameters for me to see them grow up, move on to have an enjoyable life and be able to demonstrate love. I feel joy watching them go from being insecure and scared to feeling safe, secure and stable.

Q: What would you like to tell other people who may be thinking about foster parenting but are unsure?

A: Be the best foster parent you can be and look at them like they are your own children. Provide unconditional love to them. Practice patience and acceptance. You may take a couple of steps forward and one step back, but it is ok.

Q: What is your secret to being a successful foster parent?

A: Providing unconditional love, safety, security, stability and consistency.

Q: What is one myth about foster parenting that you once believed?

A: Some people feel that foster children are a lost cause, but they aren’t. They desire to be part of a family and desire to be loved. Being a consistent, loving parent: change just happens. They come in broken, but it’s a blessing and joy that I can see miracles right before my eyes. I really couldn’t do it without Ms. Laura [Foster Care Director] and Trinity’s support and direction. This is a team effort.

Stay tuned for more exciting parenting tips, inspiring stories and supportive resources! For more information, email info@trinityys.org or call 800.964.9811.

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Florence Edwards, Foster Care Marketing Specialist
Florence has a strong commitment to helping foster youth and their families thrive and live successful lives. A former foster youth, Florence obtained her bachelor’s and master’s degree in Communications from California State University, San Bernardino, and is a certified Holistic Life Coach, motivational writer, self-help author and celebrity interviewer. Beyond the Trinity Youth Services blog, Florence’s articles can be found in numerous platforms including Foster Focus Magazine, Heart & Soul Magazine, BET Centric and Huffington Post. A passionate advocate for the LGBTQ community, Florence continues to educate, support and mentor foster youth throughout Southern California. Email: fedwards@trinityys.org | Phone: (888) 346-9645