Foster/Resource Parent Spotlight: Jenna Clark

Meet EA Foster/Resource Parent Jenna Clark

How long have you been a foster/resource parent? What drew you to becoming one?

Eleven years. As a child, I spent six months in foster care with two different families. I saw the difference of a good loving home versus a home that was not a good fit.

Why did you choose EA as your foster family agency?

I had actually been praying on becoming a foster parent for a year. I was with my two oldest daughters selling candy for Cheer, and just so happened to come across their old building. I got some information and eventually got certified. My family has been doing it ever since.

What would you describe as the greatest challenge in fostering?

Dealing with a system that has been broken for many, many years while trying to do your best to advocate for all the innocent kiddos that come into your care.

Please tell us about one of your most rewarding moments fostering.

There are so many moments, but if I had to pick one, it would be the day that I got to adopt my youngest daughter and my family was complete. I also love the fact that I keep in communication with several young women that were in my home that may even have families of their own, or our finding ways to navigate their own path. Then there's the feeling you get when you receive an invitation to a birthday, or a Christmas card from one of your kiddos that got the joy of reunifying with their parents. I could never just choose one moment.

Is being a foster/resource parent what you expected it to be?

Not in the least. Being a foster parent has almost broken me more than once.

No one could ever prepare you for your heart shattering 1000 times over and over—nor could anyone prepare you for the joy you feel watching a mom or dad get their baby back after fighting for so long, jumping through every hoop and making every visit. Or even the immense joy you feel watching these kids learn and grow, or just seeing a glimmer of them getting the opportunity to be a kid and not having to be so grown-up.

What have you learned from your experience? Is there anything you wish you'd known before becoming a foster/resource parent?

That I am not in control, and for each kid that comes into my family‘s home, God has already ordained it. He knows the exact days each child will be with us.

What would you tell somebody who is thinking of fostering?

To know this is going to be one of the hardest, most rewarding journeys you will ever take. Not a lot of people will understand it and that’s OK—hang on to your village and the people that do. Ask for help when you need it.

There will be moments your heart will explode with love and moments it will shatter, but these kids are so, so worth it.