A Safe Place to Grow: Kamrie and AJ’s Foster Care Story
Out in the quiet countryside of Polk, Nebraska, Kamrie and AJ have built a home filled with wide-open spaces, wagging tails, curious cats, and the joyful noise of children. What began as a desire to “help more and provide a safe place” has grown into a life-changing foster care journey, one that has transformed not only the children in their care, but their entire family.
Kamrie and AJ have been fostering children for almost a year. They are raising three children of their own and are currently fostering four more, making this the second group of children they have welcomed into their home. The transition from a family of five to a family of nine happened almost overnight, but they embraced it with open hearts.
Their journey with Epworth Family Resources began with a simple Google search. Living in Polk, Epworth, just 20 miles away, felt like the natural choice. From the very beginning, Epworth staff guided them step-by-step through licensing, placement, and the unexpected challenges that come with fostering.
One of the most rewarding parts of fostering, Kamrie shares, has been watching the children grow, not only in school, but emotionally and mentally. “Seeing them thrive in a safe place is everything,” she says.
That growth hasn’t come without challenges. “We were introduced to new behaviors right away,” AJ explains. “We didn’t start with a baby and learn as they grew, we were handed situations and had to adapt overnight.” But with Epworth’s support, they learned, adjusted, and kept moving forward.
Some of their most meaningful moments have come during the holidays. Kamrie recalls Thanksgiving, when their foster children experienced a big family meal together for the very first time. Christmas was equally unforgettable. “They had never experienced Santa before,” she says. Through Epworth’s Adopt-a-Family program, the children received gifts, and the family felt the warmth of a holiday free from stress. “It was a huge blessing. We were so thankful.”
Fostering has impacted every part of their family life. Routines shifted. Mornings and bedtimes became busier. But it also pushed them to grow as parents and brought their family closer together. When their foster children arrived late one night, their own children were asleep. But Kamrie and AJ had already prepared them for this possibility. The next morning, introductions were made and excitement filled the house. “They were thrilled to have built-in friends,” Kamrie laughs.
When asked what advice they’d give to families considering fostering while raising their own children, Kamrie keeps it simple: “Give it a try. If you’re feeling it in your heart—do it.”
They credit Epworth for walking beside them through every step, offering guidance, resources, clothing for children who arrived with nothing, respite care when needed, and constant support. “It feels good to know we have someone to call anytime,” AJ says.
And when asked why they would recommend fostering through Epworth, Kamrie smiles and says, “Fostering makes your heart grow.” AJ jokes back, “You sound like the Grinch,” bringing laughter to the moment. Then Kamrie adds sincerely, “It has made a positive impact on our lives and provided us with so much personal growth.”
In just a few words, they describe the impact of foster care as “the need for safe places and the need to protect children.”
What keeps them motivated to continue? “It’s been overall positive, not without challenges,” Kamrie admits. “But Epworth has always been there.”
And in their country home, surrounded by children finding stability, safety, and love, that support continues to make all the difference.
Kamrie and AJ have been fostering children for almost a year. They are raising three children of their own and are currently fostering four more, making this the second group of children they have welcomed into their home. The transition from a family of five to a family of nine happened almost overnight, but they embraced it with open hearts.
Their journey with Epworth Family Resources began with a simple Google search. Living in Polk, Epworth, just 20 miles away, felt like the natural choice. From the very beginning, Epworth staff guided them step-by-step through licensing, placement, and the unexpected challenges that come with fostering.
One of the most rewarding parts of fostering, Kamrie shares, has been watching the children grow, not only in school, but emotionally and mentally. “Seeing them thrive in a safe place is everything,” she says.
That growth hasn’t come without challenges. “We were introduced to new behaviors right away,” AJ explains. “We didn’t start with a baby and learn as they grew, we were handed situations and had to adapt overnight.” But with Epworth’s support, they learned, adjusted, and kept moving forward.
Some of their most meaningful moments have come during the holidays. Kamrie recalls Thanksgiving, when their foster children experienced a big family meal together for the very first time. Christmas was equally unforgettable. “They had never experienced Santa before,” she says. Through Epworth’s Adopt-a-Family program, the children received gifts, and the family felt the warmth of a holiday free from stress. “It was a huge blessing. We were so thankful.”
Fostering has impacted every part of their family life. Routines shifted. Mornings and bedtimes became busier. But it also pushed them to grow as parents and brought their family closer together. When their foster children arrived late one night, their own children were asleep. But Kamrie and AJ had already prepared them for this possibility. The next morning, introductions were made and excitement filled the house. “They were thrilled to have built-in friends,” Kamrie laughs.
When asked what advice they’d give to families considering fostering while raising their own children, Kamrie keeps it simple: “Give it a try. If you’re feeling it in your heart—do it.”
They credit Epworth for walking beside them through every step, offering guidance, resources, clothing for children who arrived with nothing, respite care when needed, and constant support. “It feels good to know we have someone to call anytime,” AJ says.
And when asked why they would recommend fostering through Epworth, Kamrie smiles and says, “Fostering makes your heart grow.” AJ jokes back, “You sound like the Grinch,” bringing laughter to the moment. Then Kamrie adds sincerely, “It has made a positive impact on our lives and provided us with so much personal growth.”
In just a few words, they describe the impact of foster care as “the need for safe places and the need to protect children.”
What keeps them motivated to continue? “It’s been overall positive, not without challenges,” Kamrie admits. “But Epworth has always been there.”
And in their country home, surrounded by children finding stability, safety, and love, that support continues to make all the difference.