Hubbard Lake family shares story of foster care and adoption
HUBBARD LAKE, Mich. — May is recognized as National Foster Care Month. It is a time to acknowledge the families, volunteers and professionals who help children find permanent homes. In Michigan, there are approximately 13,000 children in foster care and 300 children who still need an adoptive family. Foster parents are needed to help provide a safe, nurturing home for children until they can be returned to their families. When children cannot be returned to their homes, foster parents are often asked to provide permanent homes.
Jean and Doug of Kowalski of Hubbard Lake decided to provide a permanent home to 4-month-old Jazzmyne “Jazzy” when she entered their lives initially through foster care. The Kowalski’s were already raising teen girls at the time. Jean who is the principal at Hinks Elementary School said she and Doug talked it over with their girls who were excited about their decision.
“So when we first thought about doing this we did sit them down and say this is what we’re thinking of doing, what do you think,” she said. “They were all for it. They were very excited,” said Jean.
“My initial reaction was uncertainty,” said Doug. “But the more I thought about it, life has been pretty good to us and we just wanted to make a difference and give back so we opted to pursue our license and here we are,” he said.
Jazzy is 10-years-old now and loves spending time with her many animals. She told WBKB in an interview that she is grateful that Jean and Doug are her parents.
If you would like information on becoming a foster parent visit the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services website.
