LINDA COSTA COMMUNICATIONS GROUP

The Best Reward for a Writer? Finding Life’s Hidden Heroes.
09.03.14

By Rob  Humphreys

A recent segment on NPR interviewed “Kinda Like Brothers” author Coe Booth, whose new book draws upon her former career as a caseworker with child protective services in New York City. It was often her job to pair abused and neglected children with families that offered a safe living environment.

This got me thinking about the good work being done by Community Based Care of Central Florida (CBCCFL), the region’s lead foster care and adoption agency.

As a writer, part of my job is to spotlight “everyday people” making a big difference in the lives of others. They’re not hard to find, especially when it comes to our area’s diverse array of foster parents.

Over the past few months, I’ve been blessed to help share the stories of two strong CBCCFL foster moms:

• Lois Moser, a grandmother who fulfilled a lifelong dream when she began fostering babies three years ago at the tender age of 68.

• Mariana Ordaz, a 26-year-old single professional woman who fosters a teenage victim of domestic abuse and human trafficking.

As someone who fostered a child, I know how difficult – yet fulfilling – this act of love can be. Beyond all the sacrifice and challenges, there is great joy in providing a vulnerable child the foundation to start a new life.

CBCCFL is always in need of foster parents like Lois and Mariana. They are the hidden heroes among us, and their dedication to children not only makes Central Florida a better place … it makes my job that much more rewarding.

 

Rob Humphreys is a writer and editor with Costa Communications Group.