When Anne Travis-Barker arranged for Odessa Brown representatives to talk to a group of foster parents about health services, she was surprised and delighted by who showed up.

 

Giving their evening to talk to the families were doctors, dentists, nurses and department heads. “They brought in everybody,” says Anne, a long-time foster parent and mentor. “I can’t say enough about them. They’ve been right there for us.”

 

“Miss Anne” has fostered 40 to 50 kids over the last 23 years. Many stay in touch. “It’s been a good ride,” she says, “but you have the other side too.”

 

The system is extremely overloaded. Already vulnerable children are constantly moved. Foster parents burn out.

 

Anne’s home is the hub for a “constellation” of foster families who get together for monthly meetings and youth activities. She always keeps space available for two children if a foster parent has an emergency or needs a break.

 

The arrangement is designed to give foster parents and children the stability and support they need.

 

“Odessa Brown has been a real steadfast partner,” Anne says. “They will come to you. They look for solutions.”