“They just want to be children. It’s not their fault the situations they’re in,” says Rita Pancake, who has been a foster parent for nearly three decades. Rita knows firsthand that many children enter foster care carrying heavy burdens—believing they’re to blame for family struggles or illness. “Kids are basically the same, whether it’s across the world or across the country, or right there in your own home. They all have the same needs.” For Rita, fostering has always been about family: “When I started fostering, the children wanted to be part of the family, and that’s what we try to do—make them part of the family.” Her advice for new foster parents? “Be yourself. Treat them with respect, and hopefully you’ll get respect in return.” Over the years, Rita has helped countless teens transition to independent living. She believes structure is key: “Most of them didn’t have structure. I’m a stickler for school—you don’t skip unless you’re sick. And if you’re sick, you rest. No TV, no nothing.” Rita also praises Necco for supporting foster families: “I think Necco is a good organization. There are a lot of children out there that need help. If you want to help somebody, foster care is the way to do it.” Her message is simple but powerful: “You’re giving them something they never had before. Whether or not they grab it—that’s not the point. The point is you gave it to them. And they won’t forget. Children don’t forget what you tell them.” Ready to make a difference? Visit https://www.necco.org to learn how you can become a foster parent. Watch Rita’s full story here: https://youtu.be/pe0MmXAxJx4
