The Power of Foster Parenting

For most couples, guiding their own children through adolescence is taxing enough.

But for Bill and Pam Stanton, that was just the beginning. After raising their biological children, the couple became foster parents through Pressley Ridge. For the last 8 years, they have opened their home and their hearts to troubled youth in the hope of teaching them how to be part of a family.

“The kids we help haven’t had it very good,” said Pam Stanton.

The children in Pressley Ridge’s treatment foster care have been removed from their homes for a multitude of complex reasons ranging from mental health issues to the child’s problematic behaviors to parental abuse and neglect.

The Stanton’s now 19-year old foster son Jonathan was one of those children. His success is a testament to the miracles caring foster parents can work in the lives of troubled children. Jonathan was placed in a group home when his parents could no longer care for him.

When he first came to the Stantons four years ago, he greeted the couple with a wall of silence. Sullen, withdrawn and distrustful, he rarely left his room or spoke with other family members. Bill and Pam weren’t sure he would ever come out of his shell.

Pam finally broke through Jonathan’s reserve with a simple, but nonetheless challenging, requirement; Jonathan had to sit and talk with the family for fifteen minutes a day. Over time, fifteen minutes became a half hour and a half hour turned into two hours. Soon Jonathan was regularly spending time with the rest of the family.

Today, the difference in Jonathan is dramatic. He plays guitar and draws and will be headed to college in the fall where he plans to study music or science. He has held a job at a local ski resort for the past three years and used the income to buy a car and pay for his own insurance.

For Pam, Jonathan is a testament to the power of foster parenting. “You can change the kids’ lives by pointing them in the right direction and showing them trust. A lot of the kids don’t have that at home,” she said.

Bill and Pam are quick to note that they have never been alone on their journey as foster parents. Teacher/Counselor Sarah Eisentrout has been a vital part of their support system.

“I can call her anytime. Sometimes situations arise and I think, ‘Can I really get through this problem?’ Sounding off to Sara really helps. She makes suggestions, and we get through it together,” said Pam.

Eisentrout worked hard to discover what mattered most to Jonathan. When his grandmother died, she took him to Maryland to visit his grandfather, and she sometimes stops by the house with new items for his guitar.

“She tries to find out about the things I am interested in and helps me learn more about them and get involved,” said Jonathan.

Pressley Ridge’s treatment foster care program was the key to a healthier, happier life for Jonathan. His success has made all the sacrifices of foster parenting worthwhile to the Stantons.

“I am a foster parent because I always wanted to do something to make a difference,” said Pam. Pressley Ridge would not be able to help children succeed through treatment foster care if it were not for people like Bill and Pam Stanton.

Jonathan’s story could have been completely different without a community that is passionate about improving the lives of children. We thank our supporters for striving to make sure every child has an opportunity for their story to be a positive one. By supporting Pressley Ridge, we can continue to make an impact on the lives of over 800 children annually through treatment foster care.