To highlight the need for more foster parents in Colorado, this National Foster Care Month the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) honored five foster families at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science on May 2.
Many of these families support teens, as well as those with behavioral or mental health needs.
“We have a great need for foster families of all types, especially those who can open their hearts to teens, sibling groups, and youth with behavioral and mental health needs,” said Joe Homlar, director of the Division of Child Welfare at CDHS. “When caring individuals step up, they can provide a safe, stable and loving home that is critical to reducing the impact of trauma and helping children work toward reunification with their families when possible. This kind of dedication changes lives.”
Every day in Colorado, an average of eight children and youth enter foster care. As of April 3, there were 3,590 children and youth in foster care living in a family-like setting, and of those, 2,567 are with certified kinship and foster families. Foster care gives children a safe, stable and caring home while their parents work to overcome challenges that affect their ability to care for them.
The five families being recognized this year are:
• Jeff Bland Sandra Macias from Commerce City. Bland and Macias started fostering in 2022, focusing on teenagers because they recognized their critical need for a stable, loving home. They currently care for three teenage girls in a supportive, trauma-informed environment that encourages the teens to be active in family life, develop independence and learn self-advocacy. Macias is bilingual in Spanish, which is vital for supporting Spanish-speaking youth. She helps maintain cultural connections and celebrate educational success: They helped two young women graduate high school, and a third will graduate this year.
• Amber and Alicia Johnson from Grand Junction. Amber and Alicia Johnson, along with their 15-year-old daughter Taylen, created a diverse family in a safe and loving home, including a 6-year-old boy, his 11-month-old sister and a 19-year-old youth in transition. Driven to give children the security they deserve, they approach every challenge with a “how can we?” mindset, finding creative solutions. Their approach has led to success and the 6-year-old is now excelling as a top learner in school, and they championed their youth in transition who graduated and found a job. They advise prospective foster parents to “take the leap” to experience the profound reward of watching a child grow and feel safe through patience and kindness.
• Annie and Max Nicely from Pagosa Springs. Annie and Max Nicely, along with their children and adopted grand- daughter Aspen, are deeply dedicated to providing a stable and loving environment for all children. They currently care for two teen boys, prioritizing consistent safety and unwavering support — a mission Annie Nicely, with a degree in human services, holds dear. The family runs a custom hot rod shop, and their busy, large household focuses on teaching life skills and offering apprenticeships, holistically preparing teens for successful futures.
• Bobby and Brianna Ryan from Frisco. Bobby and Brianna Ryan run a vibrant, committed household in Frisco, which currently includes their six biological children and an infant in foster care. Since becoming certified in 2020 to serve a critical community need, they have opened their home to 12 children in foster care. As a competitive, athletic and musical family, they actively participate in their bilingual church, and Brianna Ryan’s fluency in Spanish helps them connect with Spanish-speaking children and biological parents, fostering compassionate relationships. Although fostering is challenging, they state that making a positive, long-term impact on a child’s life is worth the emotional journey.
• Wendy Screen from Aurora. Screen, a proud veteran, became a foster parent in 2012 and now holds a therapeutic-level certification. Inspired by her own experience of being fostered and adopted, Screen specializes in caring for “tougher kids” with high needs. She uses her military background to provide the necessary structure, guidance and supervision these young people need in a committed, loving environment. Screen fosters a true sense of family, maintaining lifelong connections with the youth in her care, and prepares them for adulthood through practical life skills while also supporting reunification. She emphasizes that “changing one life is worth it.”
“We know Coloradans are interested in learning more about foster care, and these families’ stories show the profound, life-changing impact a temporary safe home provides,” said CDHS Deputy Executive Director of Community Partnerships Minna Castillo. “The need is urgent, especially for teens and children with higher needs. We hope these inspiring examples will move Coloradans from interest to action.”