What happens when life takes an unexpected turn, and you still feel called to give back? In this inspiring episode, we meet a “Foster Granny” who began fostering after losing her husband.

She shares the challenges and joys of opening her home later in life—from providing routine and structure to building trust with children in care. She discovered that fostering not only transforms children’s lives but also brings purpose, growth, and healing for caregivers themselves.

“I used to be a Sunday school teacher, and my husband was a pastor. When he passed away in 2020, I kept myself busy—I did all the waterfalls, the hiking, the kayaking, all the activities. But something was still missing: the kids. After seeing commercials on TV about how desperate the area was for foster parents, I thought, ‘Well, maybe I should look into this and see if they will take an old, widowed lady like me.’” – Victoria

If you have ever wondered whether it is too late to foster, this story proves the opposite: it is never too late to make a difference.

What you will learn in this episode:

• How one widow found new purpose by becoming a foster parent
• The transition from respite care to full-time fostering
• Practical ways to build trust and maintain healthy routines
• The role foster parents play in reunification and supporting families
• Why flexibility and genuine care are essential in fostering
• Encouragement for anyone considering fostering later in life

Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction and purpose of the podcast
00:27 – Entering foster care after loss
01:34 – Motivations and first fears
02:52 – From respite to full-time fostering
03:48 – Building trust with children
04:52 – Creative strategies for connection
06:29 – Becoming “Foster Granny” and lasting bonds
07:12 – Shared parenting and supporting birth families
10:28 – Fulfillment and life lessons
12:56 – Family traditions and favorite fostering moments
13:59 – Encouragement for fostering teens
16:05 – Challenges, self-esteem and school support
18:28 – Role of social workers and daily routines
20:58 – Structure, meals and meeting children’s needs
23:18 – Advice for prospective foster parents
25:27 – Encouraging new experiences
27:19 – Persevering through challenges
28:56 – Respite vs. full-time fostering
29:58 – Family reactions and dualized parenting
43:21 – Preparing kids for transitions
47:45 – Modeling play and relationships
49:29 – Personal growth and children’s resilience
50:49 – Final encouragement
51:39 – Closing and how to get involved

Episode Resources:

• Catch up on previous episodes of In Real Life: Foster Care Unfiltered here: https://chsnc.org/about/podcast/
• For more information about Children’s Home Society of North Carolina, visit: chsnc.org
• To be a guest on the podcast, email: inreallifepodcast@chsnc.org
• To learn more about foster care, visit: https://chsnc.org/adoption-and-foster-care/get-started/
• Let’s be friends! Follow us on social media:
  • Facebook: @chsnorthcarolina
  • Instagram: @chs_nc
  • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/chs-nc
  • YouTube: @chsnc

Shannon Enoch, Executive Director of Programs at the Children’s Home Society of North Carolina, introduces, “In Real Life: Foster Care Unfiltered,” a new podcast from the Children’s Home Society of North Carolina. Aimed at current and prospective foster parents, as well as anyone curious about foster care, the show features candid conversations with foster families across North Carolina. Shannon outlines the podcast’s focus on real stories about foster care, reunification, adoption, sibling placements, and caring for teens, with the goal of supporting, encouraging, and inspiring listeners to better understand foster care.

“We believe when families share their truth, others feel seen, encouraged, and inspired to step forward too.” -Shannon Enoch

Episode details:

• Target audience: individuals interested in or involved with foster care
• Purpose of the podcast: to provide an insider's perspective on foster care
• Sharing raw and honest conversations with real families
• Emphasis on supporting foster families through shared experiences
• Importance of authentic storytelling in fostering understanding
• Encouragement for potential foster parents to learn more about foster care
• Highlighting the emotional and practical challenges faced by foster families
• Aiming to inspire and motivate listeners to make a difference in foster care

Episode Resources:

• For more information about Children’s Home Society of North Carolina, visit: chsnc.org
• To be a guest on the podcast, email: inreallifepodcast@chsnc.org
• To learn more about foster care, visit: https://chsnc.org/adoption-and-foster-care/get-started/

Episode Resources:

• Catch up on previous episodes of In Real Life: Foster Care Unfiltered here: https://chsnc.org/about/podcast/
• For more information about Children’s Home Society of North Carolina, visit: chsnc.org
• To be a guest on the podcast, email: inreallifepodcast@chsnc.org
• To learn more about foster care, visit: https://chsnc.org/adoption-and-foster-care/get-started/
• Let’s be friends! Follow us on social media:
  • Facebook: @chsnorthcarolina
  • Instagram: @chs_nc
  • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/chs-nc
  • YouTube: @chsnc