When Zandro and Sean first began dreaming about growing their family, they knew two things for certain: they wanted to open their hearts to a child in need, and they wanted to give back in a meaningful, lasting way. As a same-sex couple, they understood the power of unconditional love—and they were ready to share it, no matter what the journey looked like or how long it took.
Beginning The Journey
Over the years, the couple opened their home to five children. Their first three placements were for respite care, giving short-term support to children and families who needed a safe place. Their two most recent placements set them on the path to foster-to-adopt.
But the road to parenthood wasn’t easy.
The couple began their licensing process in San Diego with another foster agency. For nearly two years, they completed interviews, home improvements, and classes—only to learn at the end that they were not being approved to foster.
“It was devastating, but we refused to give up.”
Through a connection in a foster parent support group, they heard glowing reviews about Koinonia Family Services. One phone call later, everything changed for them.
Finding Support Through Koinonia
From day one, Zandro and Sean felt supported in a way they hadn’t before. Koinonia paired them with a knowledgeable and encouraging social worker, helped them navigate the remaining steps, and guided them through their final classes and home updates.
Within months, they welcomed their first respite placement: a 7-month-old baby and his 2-year-old sister. The days were long, the nights were sleepless, and the diaper changes seemed endless—but it was exactly where they wanted to be.
“The giggles, the smiles—seeing the kids finally feel safe with us made everything worth it,” they said.
The Rewards of Fostering
For Zandro and Sean, the true reward of fostering has always been the connections they build with the children who enter their home. Whether a child stays for a few weeks or many months, the couple treasures each moment of growth and healing.
“It’s been both challenging and deeply rewarding,” they explained. “We’ve grown so much as individuals. We’ve learned new skills. And we’ve had our eyes opened to different ways of understanding and connecting with children.”
They credit much of this growth to the foster parent training that helped them better understand trauma, build trust, and parent in ways that create safety and empowerment.
“Parenting children who’ve experienced trauma is completely different from how we grew up,” they shared. “The skills truly work—and with Koinonia’s support, we’ve been able to put them into practice and help our kids thrive.”
Transformations, Big and Small
Fostering has changed their perception of family, love, and community. It has taught them patience, deepened their compassion, and showed them firsthand the impact that one stable, loving home can have.
“Fostering puts life into perspective,” they said. “It reminds you what really matters—leaving a legacy of love and helping a child be in a better place mentally and physically.”
Looking Ahead
Soon, Zandro and Sean will officially become a family of three. They are preparing to adopt a 6-year-old boy who has been on an incredible journey of transformation—from anger, fear, and defiance to affection, playfulness, and trust.
“He still has his challenges, and that’s okay,” they said. “We’re proud to be the family he chose, and who chose him—especially after he was passed over by others.”
Advice for Future Foster Families
When asked what they would say to families considering fostering or adoption, their message is honest and heartfelt:
“Be patient and prepared. This journey takes work—training, learning, growing—but it’s worth it. You may face meltdowns, trust issues, or sleepless nights. But when trust grows, you’ll hear things like ‘I love you,’ ‘Thank you,’ or ‘I love it here.’ Those moments might take time, but they will come.”
Kaitlin Earnest, Contributor