Stipeck's Adoptive & Foster Vehicle Fund

My parents Jim and Colleen became licensed foster and adoptive parents in April 2017, after my younger brother kept begging for a little brother. I remember them telling me how they always wanted to be foster parents, and since my Mom could not have any more biological children of her own, they decided the timing was right in 2017 and "Operation Foster Brother" commenced. We were already a family of 5, my parents, my two siblings and I. My parents included us three biological children in all the preparation and we were all excited to open our hearts and home. After fostering 2 girls we welcomed our foster brother Mikey into our home when he was 12 weeks old. It was love at first sight. Mikey had spent the previous 6 weeks in the hospital recovering from severe physical abuse. Mikey has a lot of special needs- that also require a lot of extra space for his medical supplies and equipment, both at home and in our car. In May 2017, our family got the call again that a little boy who was five years old was looking for his forever home. Kyle moved into our home June 2017, and by the end of 2017 we had officially adopted both boys. In June 2020 we got a call again that a 5 day old baby boy needed a safe place. Our family once again said yes. Though the last year, the goal has changed from reunification to adoption and we were excited to add another little brother to our family. Little did we know that as his first birthday was approaching, we would find out his birth parents we expecting a little girl. Of course we said yes again, because how can you separate biological siblings, thus beginning a journey of love, hope and healing. In June 2021, the babies parents did the most selfless act, and voluntary signed over their parental rights. They stated they wanted the best life for their kids, one that they could not give them, and we will be officially adopting both siblings by the end of 2021.

Nothing in foster care and adoption is ever permanent until a judge says so, but now knowing these children will be apart of our family forever, my parents are starting to put into place resources that will help our family of 9. Our family is a couple weeks away from closing on a new home, where all of the kids will each have their own space. We are excited and can't wait to move!

A huge barrier right now for our family is transportation. Currently, we have an 8 passenger Suburban and a 7 passenger minivan. My parents just got the Suburban the beginning of this year, when we found out it was going in the direction for adoption for our youngest brother, but since adding our youngest sister we have not had a vehicle large enough to accommodate our whole family. I don't understand the whole process, but I know my parents said we have to wait until everything is final with the purchase of our new home and then we have to see about the trade in process for the Suburban to see if we can get a van large enough for our whole family to travel together. My parents never complain, and very rarely ask for help, but I know it's going to get crazy with travel in the fall when school starts and all of our sports start again. My Mom especially never says no, we often joke and say it's not in her vocabulary. After the crazy summer she has had- I would love to be able to help my parents by helping raise money to help get a van big enough for our whole family so they don't have to stress about traveling in two vehicles.

I have head it said that "it takes a village to raise a child." My parents know this first hand as they receive so much support, encouragement and prayer from family, friends and complete strangers through our foster care and adoption journey. I am hoping their "village" can help our family afford a vehicle large enough for everyone to travel in together and be able to fit Mikey's wheelchair, medical equipment, and strollers for the babies.

I know my parents are looking to be able to afford a used, reliable, 12-passenger Ford Transit mid-roof van for our family. Any money raised will be put towards helping them achieve this goal. I know this past year has been extremely tough for everyone, and I am asking that if you are not able to donate, please share this campaign on your own social media to help increase awareness.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read and I'm so grateful l for any and all support!!  -EMI