Ramey-Estep Foster Care

30/05/2025

Unfortunately due to the weather we will need to cancel our Awareness Walk for today!

🩵May is Foster Care Awareness Month 🩵

We are hosting a Foster Care Awareness Walk on May 30th at Ashland Central Park! We will take one lap around the park to bring awareness to the unique needs of children placed in foster care and the significant need for foster parents!! Come join us!

21/05/2025

🩵May is Foster Care Awareness Month 🩵

🌟Foster Home Highlight 🌟

Meet Brennan and Amanda Plummer!!

Brennan and Amanda have been certified foster parents with Ramey-Estep for just three months, but their fostering journey began well before that. They previously fostered with the state for about a year and a half, welcoming three children into their hearts and home along the way.

Their motivation to become foster parents started with a simple but powerful desire: they just wanted to be parents. As their journey unfolded, they found themselves building meaningful bonds with the children in their care and their biological families. They quickly realized the importance of being a positive, stable support system — not just for the kids, but for the families working to reunite with them.

Most recently, the Plummers made the decision to reopen their home after their daughters expressed their understanding of what fostering means — and their desire to help other children and families in need. ❤️

One thing they wish they had known early on? The importance of advocacy. They've learned that foster parents must sometimes ask — and keep asking — in order to get clear answers and stay informed about a child’s plan. It’s a reminder that speaking up is essential when you're standing in a child’s corner.

If fostering had a soundtrack, theirs would include:
🎶 “Get Back Up Again” – from Trolls
🎶 “Home” – by Phillip Phillips

The Plummers practice self-care by sticking to a consistent bedtime routine for their kids, indulging in bubble baths, and savoring their go-to pick-me-up: iced coffee! ☕🛁

Thank you, Brennan and Amanda, for the love, care, and unwavering support you’ve given — and continue to give — to children and families in our community. We are so grateful for you! 💙

19/05/2025

🩵May is Foster Care Awareness Month 🩵

🌟Foster Care Staff Highlight 🌟

Ashley Dixon!

Ashley has been working in the foster care system for about 2 years, and joined the Ramey-Estep Foster Care team a little over a year ago as a Case Manager. Recently, she achieved a major milestone—earning her Master’s degree and licensure—and now serves as an Out-of-Home Care Therapist! 🎓👏

For Ashley, the most rewarding part of her job is the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of foster youth. 💙

If she wrote a children’s book about her work, she’d call it "Resilient Hearts"—a beautiful reflection of the strength and spirit of the kids she serves.

🦁 If her work had a mascot, it would be a lion—symbolizing courage, protection, and fierce advocacy.

Ashley wishes more people understood just how deeply we care for the youth and families we serve:

“The love and attachment we feel for our foster youth and foster parents is real. You grow so close to them as you help these amazing kids.”

A quote that inspires her every day:

“Every child is one loving adult away from a bright future.”

Thank you, Ashley, for the compassion, dedication, and heart you bring to this work. We’re so proud to have you on our team! 💛

16/05/2025

🩵May is Foster Care Awareness Month 🩵

We are hosting a Foster Care Awareness Walk on May 30th at Ashland Central Park! We will take one lap around the park to bring awareness to the unique needs of children placed in foster care and the significant need for foster parents!! Come join us!

16/05/2025

🩵May is Foster Care Awareness Month 🩵

🌟Foster Care Staff Highlight 🌟

Courtney Widener!!

Courtney has been a Case Manager with our foster care program for the past 3 years, and in that time, she’s made a lasting impact on the lives of youth and families alike.

For Courtney, the most rewarding part of working in foster care is getting to know the youth and witnessing real change in their lives. 💙

If her job had a mascot, she says it would be a phoenix—rising from the ashes, symbolizing resilience, renewal, and hope. 🔥🕊️

One thing Courtney wishes more people understood about foster care is that it’s more than just raising a child—it’s a journey that can be tough, but incredibly rewarding.

A phrase that keeps her going is:

“Change is necessary.”
These simple words remind her—and all of us—why this work matters.

Courtney loves to celebrate every success, big or small, alongside her coworkers, family, and friends.

Thank you, Courtney for all that you have done, are doing and will do to support our team, our foster families and our youth! You are so very appreciated!

15/05/2025

🩵May is Foster Care Awareness Month 🩵

🌟Foster Home Highlight 🌟

Matt and Cindi Logan!

Matt and Cindi have been dedicated foster parents with Ramey-Estep for nearly 9 years, and in that time, they’ve opened their hearts and home to at least 16 children! 💙

Their journey began with a simple but powerful motivation: they love being parents and have always wanted to help children in need. Looking back, the Logans say they wish they had known sooner just how many kids were waiting for a safe, loving home—because they would have started even earlier.

Through fostering, they’ve learned one of life’s most important lessons: never give up. 💪 The children who have come through their doors have left lasting impressions and taught them more than they ever imagined.

🎶 If fostering had a soundtrack, the Logan family’s playlist would include:

"I Like to Move It"

"We Are Family"

"Just Dance"

The theme song from The Loud House

To stay grounded and connected, Matt and Cindi prioritize self-care with regular date nights, fun trips, and cozy movie nights after the kids are tucked in. 🎬❤️

Thank you, Matt and Cindi, for your incredible commitment and the love you’ve shared with so many children!

14/05/2025

🩵May is Foster Care Awareness Month 🩵

🌟Foster Care Staff Highlight 🌟

We're excited to introduce Carrie, one of our passionate and dedicated Out-of-Home Care Case Managers here at Ramey-Estep!

Though Carrie has only been with us a short time, she brings 6 years of experience working with children, and her commitment shines through in everything she does. 💙

When asked what’s been most rewarding so far, Carrie shared:

“Seeing kids and parents get a chance—a fair shot at a loving life.”

Carrie also wishes more people knew how critical the need for foster homes is in our community. The number of children in care far exceeds the number of available foster families.

🧸 If her job had a mascot, it would be a grizzly bear—fiercely protective and unwavering in her advocacy for the children we serve.

Carrie celebrates every success, big or small, with her family, and draws inspiration from one of her favorite quotes by Dr. Seuss:

“Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple.”

Welcome to the team, Carrie and thank you for all that you have already done and all that you will do for our team, our families and our kids!

13/05/2025

🩵May is Foster Care Awareness Month 🩵

🌟Foster Home Highlight 🌟

Nate & Cassie Campbell

Nate and Cassie have been certified with Ramey-Estep for three years. During that time, they have welcomed 21 children into their home through placement, respite care, and adoption. They were inspired to become foster parents because they recognized the significant need, and foster care has always held a special place in their hearts—especially due to having family members who were previously in care.

One important lesson they’ve learned is that loving a child who has experienced trauma doesn’t make the triggers and pain disappear overnight, but with time, the symptoms can lessen.

When reflecting on what they wish they had known before becoming foster parents, the Campbells share that the training they received before certification was incredibly helpful and helped them feel well-prepared when their home first opened.

If their foster care journey had a soundtrack, it would include “Haven’t Seen It Yet” by Danny Gokey and “Counting My Blessings” by Seph Schlueter. Nate and Cassie also prioritize regular self-care through date nights, anniversary trips, healthy eating, and exercise.

Thank you, Nate, Cassie and the whole Campbell family for all that you do daily to serve the youth in our community! You are so appreciated!

12/05/2025

🌟 May is Foster Care Awareness Month 🌟

Every child deserves a safe, loving, and stable home — yet over 390,000 children are currently in foster care in the United States alone.

This month, we honor the resilience of these children, the dedication of foster families, and the tireless work of our foster care staff who support them every day. 💙

Throughout the rest of this month, we will highlight our foster parents and our staff to celebrate their contributions to the lives of children in care.

First up is Sharon Sparks!

Sharon is the Foster Home Coordinator at Ramey-Estep! Sharon has been working in foster care for just 4 months, but is already making an impact through working with our foster families to maintain their certification requirements and working with potential foster families toward certifying their homes! Sharon identifies the most rewarding thing about her work in foster care to be helping children find safe homes when they can not be with their families of origin. One thing Sharon wishes more people knew about foster care is that to be a successful foster parent, you don't have to be perfect, you just have to try hard and love big! If her job had a mascot, Sharon says it would be a swarm of ants all working together! She loves to celebrate successes, big and small by celebrating with family and treating herself to something special! A quote that inspires Sharon is "Every kid is one caring adult away from being a success story."-J. Shipp.

Thank you Sharon for everything you are doing to support our foster families and the youth in our care!

19/03/2025

There is nothing better to warm your heart on a cold, snowy, icy day than an adoption!

Brian had already been a part of the Campbell family for 466 days, but on February 19th, it became official that he had found his forever home!!

Congratulations to Nate, Cassie, Brian, and the whole Campbell crew!! This isn’t just the end of a chapter; it’s the start of a new adventure. A home full of laughter, security, and endless love.

23/12/2024

🎄✨ A Heartwarming Christmas Miracle ✨🎄

After 935 days in foster care, Simon has found his forever home!!

Congratulations to the Blair for welcoming Simon into their family this holiday season! 💖 There’s no better gift than the love and support of a forever home, and we are so inspired by your generosity and courage in adopting.

This Christmas, you’ve created a new chapter full of hope, joy, and a lifetime of memories. 🌟🎁 Thank you for showing that love knows no age, and for making this season extra special for Simon.

Here’s to a beautiful future together, filled with laughter, love, and endless blessings. 🙏🏼❤️

11/12/2024

🎄✨ It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and the Foster Care Team and our Foster Families celebrated together this week! ❤️
We’re thrilled to announce that Santa and Mrs. Claus joined in the festivities, bringing smiles, laughter, and holiday magic to our little ones. 🎅🤶 There’s nothing quite like watching the sparkle in their eyes as they share their Christmas wishes and enjoy festive activities together. The true spirit of the season is alive in our hearts! ❤️🎄
A huge thank you to all the incredible foster families for creating such a warm, nurturing environment where love knows no bounds. Your dedication and kindness brightens the lives of these amazing kids! 🌟