TFI Between Family Newsletter: February 2026

A MONTHLY PUBLICATION FOR TFI FOSTER FAMILIES

February 2026

Black History Month

HONORING BLACK FOSTER PARENTS, FAMILIES & COMMUNITY IMPACT

Black History Month is a time to recognize the individuals and families whose care, leadership and resilience have shaped communities for generations. Within the foster care system, Black foster parents, adoptive families and kinship caregivers play a vital role in supporting children and strengthening families through consistency, cultural connection and care.

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FOSTER PARENT TIP

This month is a reminder that care shows up in everyday ways. Encouraging words, quality time and reliable routines help build trust that lasts far beyond February.

TRAINING CORNER

In honor of Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month – let’s discuss how we can talk to our teens about healthy vs. unhealthy relationships. An important first step when talking to your teen about dating is sharing what a healthy relationship looks like. Start an open conversation with your teen, asking them what qualities they think make up a healthy relationship. By letting them lead with what they already know, your teen is more likely to feel like this is a conversation instead of a one-sided lecture, increasing the likelihood that they will be engaged and buy into what is being discussed. Asking your teen for their opinions, experiences, and input will also help them feel heard and respected throughout the conversation.

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Training Calendar

FOSTER FAMILY OF THE MONTH

Taylor and Xiomara Gay have been certified as a resource home for about half a year, and they have been willing to accept multiple placements since opening. The family is very communicative with those involved in the child's professional team, completing necessary appointments and working to identify and establish services to meet the needs of the children placed in their home. The family is also mentoring the children’s biological parents. The Gay family has been very active with TFI events since becoming a resource family, always volunteering to help wherever needed. The Gay family wants to build a support system among foster families and has expressed interest in helping make connections with other foster families. TFI is very grateful to the Gay family for their dedication to helping children and families in foster care.

What's Happening...

TFI Staff Wrap Agency-Wide Foster Parent Recruitment Campaign

Here at TFI, our recruitment team works each and every day to grow the number of amazing TFI foster homes, just like yours. Throughout the last month, our Champions campaign brought our entire organization together with one shared goal: connecting more children with safe, stable and loving homes. Through this friendly, team-based effort, staff worked hard to spread the word about fostering and welcome new families into our community.

Behind the scenes, our teams even added a little friendly competition, earning points for recruitment efforts and celebrating “Champions” who went above and beyond. But the real win wasn’t the prizes—it was the lives impacted through every new foster home created.

1 Year:

Eric and Tiffany Batman
Lisa Brown
April Bunney
Corina Deshazer and Bailey Waring
Mitchell and Megan Falls
Emily Kilgore
David and Amy Lofton
Winter Moore
Matthew and Audrey Pool
Zachary Shoemaker
Carol Swanson and Amanda Wells

Jeremiah Baker and Katherine Hugunin
Raul Serbin and Lisa Payne

5 Years:

Brian and Amanda Miller
Steve and Dawn Snyder
Allyn and Emily Weddle
Lori Woods

10+ Years:

Patricia Dickerson

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