Natalie’s journey in foster care began in her late twenties, when she and her husband decided to open their home while raising their four-year-old daughter. Like many families, they initially saw fostering as a way to grow their family, but it quickly became something more—providing consistency and support for children during times of transition.
Over the years, they cared for children across a wide range of ages, from infants to teenagers, each with their own unique needs and experiences.
From Foster Parent to Koinonia Leader
After years of fostering, Natalie stepped into a new role with Koinonia, where she has now served for nearly 15 years. Starting in support staff, she quickly found herself drawn to the heart of the work—helping connect children with safe, supportive homes.
Through monitoring visits, coordinating placements, and working directly with families, Natalie gained a deeper understanding of just how great the need is. Today, one of the parts of her job she finds most meaningful is helping place children into homes where they can feel safe and supported.
“I get really excited,” she shares, “when I know a child is going into a home that’s truly a good fit.”
Her work is deeply personal– because she’s lived it.
The Power of Sibling Connections
Among all the experiences Natalie has had as a foster parent, one stands out above the rest: fostering sibling sets.
“I loved having sibling sets,” she says. “Being able to keep them together—it makes such a difference.”
When children enter foster care, they’re often navigating overwhelming loss—of their home, their routines, and sometimes even their sense of identity. For many, their siblings are the only constant they have left.
Natalie saw firsthand how powerful it was when siblings could stay together.
There was comfort in the familiar—shared memories, inside jokes, and the simple reassurance of not being alone. Even in difficult circumstances, that bond created a sense of stability that no system could replicate. In cases where not all siblings could be placed together, the loss was visible.
“You could tell there was pain,” she reflects. “They missed each other.”
That’s why she believes so strongly in the importance of families opening their homes to sibling groups whenever possible.
Creating Moments That Matter
One of Natalie’s favorite experiences was fostering an older sibling set—ages eight and ten.
“They hadn’t had a lot of typical childhood experiences,” she recalls.
So Natalie and her family made it a point to create those moments. Simple things—like carving pumpkins for the first time or seeing snow—became meaningful milestones. These weren’t just fun activities. They were opportunities to build connection, trust, and joy.
Older children, she explains, often bring a unique gift into the home: the ability to communicate, connect, and grow in visible ways.
“You get to see who they are and who they’re becoming.”
Why Sibling Placements Matter
Natalie’s story is a powerful reminder that foster care is not one-size-fits-all—and that some of the greatest needs are often overlooked.
While many prospective foster parents feel drawn to infants, the need for families willing to take sibling groups remains high.
Keeping siblings together can:
- Reduce trauma during placement
- Provide emotional support and stability
- Preserve lifelong relationships
- Help children adjust more quickly to new environments
And for foster families, it offers something equally meaningful—the opportunity to witness and support one of the strongest bonds there is.
A Lasting Message
After years of fostering and now years of serving at Koinonia, Natalie’s perspective is clear:
Every child deserves a safe place to land—but whenever possible, they deserve to land together.
Fostering siblings may come with added challenges, but it also brings unmatched moments of connection, healing, and hope.
And sometimes, the simple act of keeping brothers and sisters side by side can make all the difference.
Kaitlin Earnest, Contributor