Becoming a mom has been one of the greatest blessings of my life. My child has made me a mother, and I am grateful every day for the privilege of loving, guiding, and cheering her on through life’s milestones.

But what about the children who don’t have a mom — or any family — to call their own?

Right now, more than 200 children in Alabama’s Department of Human Resources (DHR) foster care system are waiting for permanent families. These are children whose biological parents’ rights have been terminated, leaving them in a heartbreaking place of uncertainty as they wait for someone to say, “You belong with us.”

Imagine growing up without someone to teach you how to ride a bike, help you learn to drive, celebrate holidays together, cheer you on at graduation, walk you down the aisle, or become grandparents to your future children. For many waiting children in foster care, this isn’t something they have to imagine — it’s their reality.

These children live right here in Alabama. One of them could even be in your own community.

As moms, we have an incredible ability to rally around causes that matter. We advocate fiercely for our children, share resources, encourage one another, and step in when families are in need. I would love to see that same “Mama Bear” spirit extended to the children in foster care who don’t have those supports.

There are so many meaningful ways to make a difference. You can share information about the need for adoptive families, pray for waiting children, host an informational meeting at your church or community group, encourage and support foster and adoptive families, provide meals for families welcoming children into their homes, or even explore whether adoption might be part of your own family’s story.

As both a Trussville mom and a social worker who works with adoptive families, I have the privilege of helping children find their forever families.

Many of the children we serve are age 5 and older, part of sibling groups who need to stay together, or have medical or behavioral needs. A child may fit one of these categories — not necessarily all of them. Every child deserves the chance to grow up in a safe, loving, and permanent family.

One of the wonderful things about adopting through the foster care system is that Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connections (APAC)‘s services are completely free. The cost of adopting through foster care is minimal to none, and our support doesn’t end when an adoption is finalized. We provide free, lifelong post-adoption services to adoptive families throughout Alabama because we believe every family deserves ongoing support.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you could make a difference in the life of a child, I encourage you to learn more about foster care adoption and the many ways you can support waiting children and families.

Together, let’s harness the compassion and strength of our Trussville community to help every child find what they deserve most – a forever family.

If you’d like to learn more about foster care adoption or ways to support waiting children in Alabama, there are organizations across our state that can help answer your questions and connect you with resources.