Across the United States
Foster care has been an integral part of Emilie and Baylee’s lives since they were just four and five years old. For them, sharing their home—and often their bedroom—with other children in need wasn’t just a fleeting chapter but a defining aspect of their upbringing. At one point, five girls filled their room: two bunk beds with a toddler bed nestled in between. Those early experiences shaped their empathetic hearts and generous spirits, instilling values that continue to shine brightly in their lives today.
Fast forward to the present, and Emilie and Baylee are making waves academically and beyond. Both are set to graduate from state college well ahead of schedule—two years early, if not more—thanks to their hard work and determination. But what truly sets them apart isn’t just their academic achievement; it’s their unwavering dedication to serving the foster care community.
This week, they stepped into a new challenge: learning how to build online courses for Chaplainted.org, a platform designed to support foster families and children. Armed with a 22-page tutorial and training they completed with me, they dove into creating courses from scratch using pre-prepared content. Unsurprisingly, they nailed it on their first try. Their efforts will ensure that by the end of the year, the platform offers a full suite of free resources to help strengthen caregivers and stabilize children navigating the foster care system.
Emilie and Baylee’s contributions are a testament to the power of passion and purpose. They’ve not only grown into incredible young women but have also chosen to use their talents to give back to a cause so close to their hearts. I am endlessly grateful for the way they continue to find meaningful ways to serve.
Thank you, Emilie and Baylee, for making a difference—not just in our family but in the lives of countless foster families. You are truly leaving an impact, and we couldn’t be prouder of you.
These free resources will change lives. With young leaders like you at the helm, the future of foster care is brighter than ever.
