Benchmark Family Services - Fort Wayne, Indiana

06/06/2026

👋 Hey there!

I thought I'd introduce myself before Facebook starts deciding we're besties. 😆

I'm Shasta, and I have the privilege of working with foster families and helping recruit amazing people to care for children in our community.

A few things about me:
☕ I firmly believe most problems can at least be discussed over coffee.
📱 I spend a lot of time talking about foster care (on purpose).
❤️ I get excited when people say, "I've always wondered about fostering..."

On this page, you'll find foster care facts, events, resources, stories, occasional encouragement, and probably a few attempts at humor along the way.

My goal is simple: help more children find safe, loving homes and help more people realize that foster parents don't have to be superheroes—they just have to be willing to show up and show love.

So whether you're a foster parent, foster care supporter, curious observer, or just here because Facebook suggested this page, welcome! I'm glad you're here.🩵

Tell me something about yourself in the comments—or at least say hi so I know I'm not talking to myself. 🤣

06/05/2026

What Happens During the Home Study?

The home study is one of the most important parts of the foster parent licensing process. For many families, it can also feel intimidating.

However, the home study is not about judging your decorating style or expecting a perfect home. Instead, it is designed to:

❤Ensure the home is safe
❤Learn about your family dynamics
❤Assess your readiness to Foster

During the process, a licensing specialist may:

🩵Inspect the home for safety
🩵Interview household members
🩵Discuss parenting approaches and expectations
🩵Review background checks and paperwork

Benchmark Family Services works closely with families throughout the home study process, helping them feel prepared and supported every step of the way.

06/04/2026

Please RSVP and join us for these different hikes!

06/04/2026

🎢 Foster Parenting: Not Always Easy… Always Worth It. 💙

Let's be honest...

Some days you'll step on a LEGO. 🧱

Some days you'll answer the question "Why?" approximately 437 times. 🤔

Some days you'll wonder how one child can use every cup in the house before noon. 🥤

And some days will be hard. Foster children often come with big feelings, difficult experiences, and a need for extra patience, understanding, and support.

But you'll also experience:

✨ The first genuine smile.
✨ A child finally feeling safe enough to sleep through the night.
✨ A proud "Look what I did!"
✨ The chance to be a steady, caring adult during a time when it matters most.

Foster parenting isn't about being perfect. It's about showing up, staying consistent, and helping a child know they matter.

Right now, children in our community need foster families willing to embrace both the challenges and the incredible rewards.

Think you might have room in your heart (and maybe a few extra cups in your kitchen)? We'd love to talk with you.

🏡❤️

06/03/2026

🚨 Community Challenge Alert! 🚨

We're looking for a few extraordinary people...

✔️ Can locate a missing shoe in under 30 seconds.
✔️ Know that "just one more story" usually means three.
✔️ Have a heart big enough to make a child feel safe.

If this sounds like you, foster parenting might be calling your name. ❤️

There are children in our community who need caring adults to provide stability, encouragement, and a place to belong while their families work through challenges.

You don't need superpowers. Just patience, compassion, and a willingness to show up.

Interested in learning more? Reach out today.
Your "yes" could change a child's entire story.

06/02/2026

This isn’t just a childcare issue—it’s a foster care issue, too.

Many foster parents work full-time and rely on childcare assistance to accept placements. When vouchers (or qualifying providers) aren’t available, families who want to help may have no choice but to say no.

Supporting children in care means supporting the families who care for them. 🩵

80% of eligible low-income children are not being served by Indiana's subsidized childcare programs, a new analysis shows.

REPORT: https://www.21alivenews.com/2026/06/02/report-80-eligible-low-income-children-not-served-by-states-subsidized-childcare-programs/

06/02/2026

🎡 Calling All Big Hearts! 🎡

Ever thought about becoming a foster parent?

Right now, there are children in our community who need something simple but life-changing: a safe place to land, a warm meal, a bedtime story, and someone who cares.

Think of foster parents as the community’s real-life superheroes—except instead of capes, they usually wear coffee stains and carry snacks. ☕🍎

We need more caring adults willing to open their homes and hearts. You don't have to be perfect. You just have to be willing to make a difference.

💙 One child.
🏡 One safe home.
✨ One life changed forever.

If you've ever wondered whether fostering might be right for you, now is a great time to learn more. Share this post, tag someone with a big heart, or reach out to find out how you can help.

💙🏡✨

06/02/2026

Celebrate National Donut Day with us! Swing by the office for a sweet treat and learn how foster parents are making a difference for children in our community.

You don't have to be ready to foster to stop in—just bring your curiosity (and maybe your sweet tooth).

🍩 FREE donuts.
☕ FREE coffee.
❤️ Priceless conversations.

Celebrate National Donut Day with us! Swing by the office for a sweet treat and learn how foster parents are making a difference for children in our community.

You don't have to be ready to foster to stop in—just bring your curiosity (and maybe your sweet tooth).

📍 4620 E state Blvd. Fort Wayne, IN 46815
📅 6/5/26
⏰ 8:30am - 12pm

We'll save a donut for you!

06/01/2026

Near the water is our favorite place to be all summer long! Grab some tips and tricks on staying safe near the water this summer with the training below from the Indiana Department of Health!

Familiarize yourself with potential dangers in pools, retention ponds, open water and in the home.

Indiana Department of Health is hosting a free, virtual training next week.

https://tinyurl.com/WARNtraining

06/01/2026

Dinner delivered