Click on each picture to learn more about the different family’s stories
Laurie Gaston
Laurie Gaston is not only a foster parent but also works for Monroe County as a Homefinding caseworker. After going through a traumatic experience, Laurie decided that she wanted to give back. She has been a foster parent since 2019 caring for 17 children in just two years.
Laurie takes children ages zero to seven since she has a teenage daughter. When deciding to foster her daughter stated that she wanted to remain the oldest child and to give her space Laurie decided to leave an age gap between her daughter and the children coming into the home.
She believes being a foster mom is her calling and is thankful that her extended family has been supportive and as passionate as her about helping the children.
The Stantons
The Stantons started fostering at a young age but have been fostering for over a decade now. In that time, they have had over 65 children, five children that they have adopted, and have two other adoptions pending.
The Stantons focus is special needs children. They have the skills and ability to help children who may be more medically fragile that other homes may not be equipped for. When starting their foster care journey, it was never a real discussion or decision. They both loved children so much and wanted to fill the need that they knew it was something they were going to do.
The McCoys
Trewlaney McCoy has been a foster parent since 2000, and she is proof that one woman can do it all.
Trewlaney was a single mother with one daughter when she got involved, and since she started she has adopted 7 children – two sibling groups – from foster care. “I think once I meet the children, I fall in love with them right then and there,” she says.
She has taught her children the importance of helping each other. There is a 10-year difference between her oldest and youngest, so the older children look after their younger siblings and the entire family works as a team.
Trewlaney’s story has been inspirational for many people. In fact, she was named one of four finalists in ABC’s Live with Kelly and Michael’s “Unstoppable Moms” contest in 2013. Her hard work and dedication to her family is truly inspiring.
Melanie
Melanie has been a foster parent since 1996. In all of her years of being a foster parent, Melanie has provided shelter to dozens of children — taking each child in for days, weeks, months, or even years at a time.
Melanie’s open heart is reflected in her open home. In her own words, “my house stays open. Anybody can always come back, whether they’re foster or not.”
As a testament to her dedication, Melanie (a single mother) has adopted 7 of the children she has fostered over the years.