Do you want to hear some truly amazing news?
Last April, we shared the Bell family's story—a raw, honest glimpse into the reality of fostering. What we love most about their journey is how it represents the transformation that can happen when families dive headfirst into the community, encouragement, and support that LoveMoves.Us provides.
This past February, Rich and Elizabeth shared their story at our Hearts for Hope Gala. It was powerful then, and their story continues, as stories do.
When Rich and Elizabeth welcomed two young boys into their home in October 2022, life quickly spiraled into, as Rich described, “all-out mayhem all the time.”
Elizabeth explains:
“We were exhausted and sick. Our kids were reacting explosively to even the simplest ‘no.’ Hours-long screaming, crying fits with kids throwing things, overturning furniture, and physically threatening everyone in the house were daily occurrences, many times more than once a day. Our whole family was in ‘crisis mode’ all the time.”
The phone calls from school and daycare were constant. Their two-year-old was nearly placed on a behavior
improvement plan—just for not staying quiet during nap time.
“In all honesty, we were really questioning our decision, thinking we were the worst parents and wondering how and if we were ever going to do this long term. We didn’t know what to do or how to help our kids.”
In desperation, Elizabeth turned to Google and searched for foster support groups.
That’s when they discovered LoveMoves.Us.
“We attended our first Family Gathering in January 2023. As we were driving home that night, I cried from relief,
and the boys fell asleep peacefully in the back seat.”
From that moment on, everything started to change.
The Bells attended our Cultivate Connection training last January and began to intentionally connect with their kids and advocate for them. When their second grader was at risk of suspension, Rich and Elizabeth worked with the school to help staff understand the impact of trauma and how to respond with compassion.
“I am happy to say that we finalized guardianship of the boys in November, and we are THRIVING as a family. We have only gotten ONE phone call from school all year!”
This is what happens when families get the support they need.
“I can confidently say that our family would not be in this place without LoveMoves.Us. We are forever grateful for the love, support, and education that we’ve gotten.”
That’s what it’s all about.
When you give, this is the difference you’re making.
As summer approaches, giving tends to go down—but the needs of families who foster and adopt don’t. Would you consider joining our monthly giving program to ensure they’re supported year-round?
“We are so grateful for this ministry and what it has done for our family.”
– Rich & Elizabeth Bell
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