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.
All month long, we’ll introduce you to Unsung Heroes from around the state: biological parents, grandparents, foster and adoptive parents. Some volunteer at local schools; some have started nonprofits; some mentor others in their communities. Enjoy their stories.
Shauri Coleman, Tacoma
I have watched my sister be a wonderful foster parent for the last roughly six and a half years.
I’ve seen her love and care for every child that comes into her home no matter how long they are there for. She treats each of them as though they are her own, and works hard to make sure they get everything they need. Shauri advocates for their best interests, and works to maintain solid communication and form relationships with biological parents.
Seeing her do everything that she has, and getting to love all of the kids that come into our family, has inspired my wife and I to begin our own journey as foster parents. I have been consistently impressed with how Shauri handles the ups and downs of foster care and how she reaches out for help when she needs it. She spends so much time making sure every child has the resources to grow, heal, thrive and enjoy their childhood.
From everyday love and care, to throwing birthday parties, to holidays, to not giving up on them even when incredibly rough behaviors show up, Shauri has been an incredible mother to these kiddos. Shauri is also a loving and caring aunt to our (foster) daughter. She has done so much work without expecting an ounce of recognition for it, and I firmly believe she deserves a bit of that. Thank you Shauri for all you have done, and for how many kids you have loved (and still do) and allowed our family to love as well!
Nominator: Kate Coleman-Chenier
More Unsung Heroes:
‘Super mom’ advocates for kids with developmental differences
Ryan Eldred keeps his kids safe and loved, even in tough times
