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Inspiration. Perspective. And More.

Our Stories

The following stories highlight perspectives from Wheeler's foster parents have valuable insights from their journey, including the many benefits and rewards of foster parenting.

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Setting Examples, Providing Support

Four years ago, Amy Borg’s empty nest in a central Connecticut suburb offered an opportune time to become a foster parent. Just after the start of pandemic Amy signed on with Wheeler to become a foster parent and was part of the original class that took the full TIPS-MAPP preparation course online, which prepares prospective foster parents for the role of fostering a child or youth. TIPS-MAPP, short for Trauma-Informed Partnering for Safety and Permanence - Model Approach to Partnerships in Parenting, is delivered by Wheeler’s dedicated, caring team of specialists, social workers, and clinicians who work closely with foster families from the start and continue as supportive teammates throughout the fostering process.

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Fostering to Adopt

John and Brian's Story

John and Brian Pica-Sneeden always wanted a large family, and they began fostering children 27 years ago. Since then, they have adopted several of their foster children, including Carter whose story they tell in this video.

More Stories to Inspire

If you want to know more about the benefits of fostering, read more heartwarming stories about our parents and families.

"Being a foster parent is valuable, purposeful work ..."

A foster parent since 2018, Cindy Capirchio has fostered five children. Cindy’s work with individuals with intellectual disabilities prompted her interest in foster care. “Being a foster parent is valuable, purposeful work, and it fills my heart with joy knowing that I can make a difference in a child’s life,” said Cindy, who fosters mostly teens. “I enjoy their company and watching them develop into young adults. It is a privilege to take this journey with them.” Cindy loves working with Wheeler because of the support the agency provides. “The Wheeler team truly cares about the children and teens they serve,” she said. “The staff is incredibly knowledgeable as well.”

“We won’t stop being foster parents until the need is no longer there, but the truth is, there is always a need.”

During their 23-year journey as foster and adoptive parents, Dee and Jim have collected many pieces of wisdom, which have served them well while fostering more than 50 children and adopting six. Among the most important, according to Dee, is to refrain from judging a person or situation at face value, and learning to assume the best in people, as well as getting to know your foster children and their biological families. Dee and Jim are appreciative of their relationship with Wheeler. “Whenever you, as a foster parent, think ‘I can’t do this,’ and there will be times, Wheeler is there to support, encourage, and reassure you that you can,” said Jim. “Our ability to continue with this process is because of our relationship with the Wheeler team,” he added.

“Being a foster parent is the hardest job, but it is the best job."

Leda has fostered children and youth intermittently for the past 13 years. In terms of advice for other potential foster parents, Leda says there are no rigid restrictions on being a foster parent. “Individuals can be single, married, or living with a partner. They can be gay or straight, can be of any race or religion. With the exception of being over the age of 21, there are also no age restrictions,” Leda said. Leda enjoys working with Wheeler because the team is always there to listen. “I also really appreciate and enjoy the ongoing training opportunities and monthly support group offered. The Wheeler team makes all the difference in my experience as a foster parent.”