It has been 25 years since Wollert locals Di and John first embarked on their journey as foster carers.
After a lifelong commitment to providing care, support, and a loving home to dozens of babies, toddlers, children, and teenagers, the couple are finally retiring from their selfless journey and embracing retiree life in style.
And though both Di and John are looking forward to the next chapter of their lives, they cannot do so without reflecting on their past with a deep sense of gratitude and appreciation.
“There was always laughter, sometimes tears of course, but there was always laughter in our home because my children embraced it all,” Di said.
“These children that came into our care had our family that loved them and cared for them each day. Every child we put our heart and soul into.”
John fondly shared his wife’s sentiments, humbly acknowledging the support they had offered children over the years.
“You’ve got to look into the outcome of what you’re trying to do, and it’s mainly helping these kids grow up, for a short time or maybe longer, in a safe place,” he said.
“The hardest thing you have to do is let them go.”
But it would be wrong to say that the couple are leaving behind this part of their life completely, with two of their first foster children still very much a part of their lives.
Over two decades ago, the couple welcomed brothers Chris and Cloud into their home at the age of 3 weeks and 10 months old respectively.
Now, some 23 years later, the young men still keep in contact with their foster parents, and a picture of the boys four-wheel driving hangs proudly in their home.
“They’re just beautiful boys. They’d taken that photo to give to their parents and they gave one to us as well,” Di said.
“It’s a beautiful feeling looking at it now. On the back of that photo they both wrote a little letter to us thanking us for the care we gave them.”
The couple embarked on their foster carer journey through Anglicare Victoria, the state’s biggest provider of out-of-home care, who now more than ever need more homes and families to open their doors and arms to children in need.
Anglicare Victoria North Regional Director Amanda Stacey invited interested carers to reach out.
“In the north and across the state, there’s a real need for more foster carers to give kids in need a safe place to stay,” she said.
“Opening up your home to a foster child is one of the biggest ways you can make a difference to a young person who really needs it, and there’s many different types of caring, from emergency and respite care, short-term placements, to ongoing care.
“We consistently hear from our amazing foster carers that it’s one of the most rewarding things you can do, so if you’ve got room in your home and your heart for a young person, or even if you’re just a little bit curious about foster caring, get in touch for a chat. There are no silly questions.”
To learn more, visit www.anglicarevic.org.au.