We are thrilled to honor Tim and Christine Visser as the Outstanding Foster Family of the year.

Christine and Tim began their foster care journey in 2019 and in that time have opened their homes and hearts for 14 children, including the 3 who are currently with them. They’re recognized by their nominator as not just fostering children in their home with dedication and unconditional acceptance but supporting and mentoring the children’s biological families as well. Tim and Christine know that this critical part of fostering sees the best outcomes for all involved, in fact, Christne noted that their biggest success in fostering was when a little guy they had as an infant was returned to his mom, whom they had worked closely with. They continue to be in contact today, still providing support for the family. This speaks to their commited nonjudgmental style of fostering. Christine said “It is a privilege to work with bio families to get kids home”. This truly encompasses what foster care is all about, making Christine a perfect recent addition as a Mentor in the CRFKA Mentorship program.

 

Their nominator noted how the Visser’s flexibility and openness as Foster Parents makes them a wonderful home to work with. They are open to placements that are typically outside of their criteria; they have fostered infants to teens, and have supported a wide range of special needs, all while balancing the needs of their family and all children in the home. That said, they noted that they know they can’t help everyone, and that part doesn’t get any easier. Their ability to accommodate culture, CFS, last minute changes, navigate and mitigate difficult situations and understand trauma, loss and grief is remarkable. Despite all this amazing work, they are sure to take that valuable time for themselves; they use respite and find quality time together…..they truly exemplify how Foster Families should be!

 

Tim and Christine seem to do it all with loving hearts and a great sense of humour. When asked about what personal lessons they have learned in their fostering journey, Christine said “Sometimes you just gotta laugh”. In our caregiving community, we all know the value in that!

We thank Tim and Christine for their commitment to children in care, and congratulate them on this honor as being recognized as the Outstanding Foster Family of the year!