Seattle’s Child is proud to partner with the state Department of Children, Youth and Families Strengthening Families Washington to honor outstanding caregivers doing important work on behalf of children. Throughout February, we’ll introduce you to Unsung Heroes from around the state. Enjoy their stories.
Teresa & Justin Kerr, Marysville (3 nominations)
We are nominating Justin and Teresa Kerr for your Unsung Hero Award. We have known them for over four years.
They are some of the most loving and caring people we know, and they are very deserving of this award. They are a powerful Christian couple and are always willing to step in and help those in need. They handle any crisis that may come their way calmly and with grace.
They already had a large family, five children at home, before welcoming two more into their home. With such a large family, there is always something going on. They have a strong support system with family, friends and church members who they can always rely on to lend a hand whenever needed.
Teresa and Justin have treated Jeremiah and Bella as if they were one of their own. They make sure the children always have what they need. The children have a sense of belonging and security within the home. The older children treat them like brothers and sisters. Bella and Jeremiah couldn’t have ended up with a better family. With two loving, caring parents, and brothers and sisters who love them.
— Staci and Randall Garka
Teresa has faithfully helped many children feel deeply loved, valued, and seen throughout her journey of motherhood.
The children she poured love into during their teenage and adolescent years are now thriving adults with families of their own: a lasting testament to her care and consistency. Teresa and her husband, Justin, live sacrificially and are always attentive to the needs of others. Two years ago, they lovingly welcomed their niece and nephew into their home to spare them from an uncertain foster care situation. They have embraced these children wholeheartedly, providing stability, safety, and unconditional love as if they were their own.
— Krista Lukomskiy
Teresa and Justin Kerr deserve this nomination to reflect their selflessness over the years of ensuring there is no child left behind in their community. They never shy away from somebody in need of guidance, a warm meal, clothes on their back or just to provide resources for needs.
Teresa and Justin Kerr have fostered officially and unofficially many youth over the years. I was one of them. They took me in when I was just 13 years old (now 25), they never once hesitated to give their all to better my life, and give me a place to call home and a family to be a part of. To this day I refer to them as my parents. Without their guidance I would have never returned to high school to graduate or be motivated to attend and graduate community college!
When they aren’t taking in foster kids or adopting, the Kerrs are the heart and soul of the Youth outreach program in Marysville through the Grove Church and other events within the community. Over the years our family has grown with many more additions that we consider no less than brothers and sisters. These are just a few reasons why they should be considered for this award.
–Madison Skyles-Jones
NOTE: Seattle’s Child is running these stories unedited, as written by the people who nominated them, in keeping with the DCYF Unsung Hero process.
More Unsung Heroes:
Kim LaMarche is a dedicated, devoted caregiver
