Foster Family Highlight

The Barentine Family

When Sarah and Aaron Barentine transitioned from a DCFS foster home to a Connected foster home in May 2023, their entire family embraced the calling—including their six-year-old son, Lewis. With a heart full of kindness, Lewis took it upon himself to welcome every child who entered their home. Using construction paper and crayons, he created handmade signs to ensure each child felt at home from the very start. His enthusiasm reflects the deep love and acceptance that foster families can offer—not just from parents, but from siblings as well.

Over time, Sarah and Aaron opened their home to multiple children, providing both foster care and respite care. One of those children was three-year-old Brayden. Initially placed with his great-grandmother, it soon became clear that she was unable to meet his growing needs. When Brayden entered care, the Barentines not only welcomed him into their home but also built a meaningful relationship with his great-grandmother.

That connection remained strong even after Brayden’s adoption in October 2024. Today, the Barentines continue to honor and nurture that bond, ensuring Brayden still has a relationship with the family he has always known. Their story is a beautiful reminder that fostering isn’t just about providing a home—it’s about building lasting relationships and strengthening families in every way possible.

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