When Mike and Alicia Hood first imagined growing their family, they didn’t know exactly what the journey would look like—but they never expected the path that would ultimately lead them to fostering. Today, after nearly ten years of marriage, one energetic eight-year-old son named Becker, and a beloved dog named Dodger, they’re embracing a new chapter of parenting filled with both challenges and joy.

How Their Journey Began

A couple of years ago, Mike and Alicia connected with Koinonia, unsure exactly what their fostering journey might look like. What they did know was that they wanted to open their home and their hearts to a child who needed them.

“It took a while for a placement to happen,” Mike shared. “But eventually, we welcomed a brother and sister—’J’ and ‘B’—into our home.”

The siblings lived with the Hoods for several months before transitioning to a new home closer to their school and birth parents. Though the goodbye came sooner than expected, the time they shared left a lasting impact.

Choosing Fostering—and Why It Felt Right

Mike and Alicia always knew they wanted only one biological child. If they grew their family, they wanted it to happen through adoption. Initially, they explored infant adoption, but something didn’t feel right.

“It felt competitive,” Mike explained, “and many families in that process couldn’t have biological children. We didn’t want to take a spot from them.”

This realization nudged them toward fostering older children. So they opened themselves to the process, widening their age range and number of children they were willing to care for. Even when placements didn’t come right away, they stayed committed.

The Most Rewarding Moments

Though their time with J and B was brief, the transformation they witnessed was profound.

“When they arrived, it was one of the hardest days of their lives,” Mike said. “Their guard was up. But within days, we saw smiles and heard laughter.”

One moment he’ll never forget is B’s twelfth birthday. “We didn’t plan anything huge—just dinner and a movie. But he told us it was the best birthday of his life. It was also his first time ever going to the movies.”

For Mike and Alicia, seeing the kids relax, feel safe, and simply be kids was the greatest reward.

How Fostering Changed Their Parenting

Fostering shifted the way the Hoods approached parenting. Mike remembers wanting everything to be perfect at first.

“I didn’t want any conflict because I didn’t want to add to J and B’s trauma. But we realized that normal disagreements between kids aren’t trauma—they’re part of life.”

They also learned the importance of giving kids space, independence, and time to adjust.

Moments They’ll Never Forget

The Hoods collected countless small, meaningful moments—each representing growth, trust, and healing.

• B, who wouldn’t leave the house without a hoodie for over a month, began to feel comfortable enough to shed it.

   

• Both kids learned to swim.

   

• J, who spoke very little at first and not in English, became a bilingual chatterbox by the time she left.

   

• Their friends watched shy, hesitant children bloom into confident kids who felt safe enough to play, explore, and laugh freely.

Advice for Families Considering Fostering

Alicia has one word: patience.

“The process can be slow, and working with the county is challenging. You have to be ready for that.”

Mike adds, “Kids don’t need perfect parents—they need peace, safety, and happiness. They’re incredibly resilient. At the end of the day, they just want to be loved.”

The Role Koinonia Played

Mike and Alicia say they couldn’t have done it without the support of Koinonia.

“They advocated for both us and the kids,” Mike said. “Whenever we had questions, they kept us informed. That made all the difference.”

Whether it was arranging services, navigating appointments, or simply providing reassurance, Koinonia’s support helped the family stay grounded through the ups and downs.

Mike and Alicia’s story is a powerful reminder that fostering isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence.

It’s about showing up, creating safety, and offering a child the chance to experience joy, stability, and belonging, even if just for a season.

Their journey continues, and they remain open—ready to welcome the next child who needs a home filled with kindness, patience, and love.

Kaitlin Earnest, Contributor