When Theresa and Carlos Gildemeister became foster parents nearly three decades ago, they couldn’t have imagined how many lives their family would impact.
Motivated by a love for children and a desire to help families going through difficult times, they opened their home. Since becoming foster parents, they’ve fostered more than fifty children, some for just a few weeks, others for several years.
“We love children and helping families get their children back,” Theresa said. “That was our main intention all along – being there for the whole family, including the parents.”
That commitment to family reunification mirrors the goal of the Foster Care Program at C+FS. While adoptions do occur, the goal is to provide a safe, nurturing home while working toward reuniting children with their biological families.
Support from C+FS has been constant throughout the Gildemeister’s fostering experience. Theresa shared that she could call the foster care team at any time, and the ongoing communication has truly made it feel like a team effort.
Theresa and Carlos also made sure that fostering was a positive experience for their whole family. Their biological children embraced the journey so much so that now, as adults, they’re considering becoming foster parents themselves. “I’m so thankful they feel like it was good for them throughout their childhoods,” Theresa shared with a smile. “They really want to make a difference in the world, too. I’ll be there as a resource for them if they need anything!”
When asked to share a memory from their time fostering, many came to mind for Theresa, but one unexpected moment stood out. This was the moment when a birth parent asked her and Carlos to adopt their daughter who they were fostering. Though adoption wasn’t their original goal, they were happy to take that step.
Theresa doesn’t hesitate to encourage others to explore fostering. “It’s such a passion of mine. I say go for it,” she said.
After 29 years, the Gildemeister’s home remains a place rooted in love and family.