February is Parent Recognition Month. Strengthening Families Washington, of the Department of Early Learning for Washington State, believes there is no better way to recognize a parent, grandparent, foster or adoptive parent than by acknowledging the numerous and impressive things they do to strengthen their family and those around them in their community.
Seattle's Child is proud to sponsor the Washington Unsung Hero Awards, recognizing our everyday heroes and honoring the important role caregivers play in children's lives. There are 28 nominees for the 28 days of February, and Seattle's Child will highlight each and every one.
Congratulations to the Unsung Hero for February 16
Josh Hart and Nik Arunakul – Mount Vernon
Josh and Nik are licensed foster parents that I worked with while placing two legally free boys in their care in June. From the first time I met them, they expressed a sincere interest in the boys and in learning about them as people. From the get-go, they were very responsive and flexible in making plans for visits and placement. They traveled for initial visits without complaint and let the boys take the lead with interacting and getting to know each other. After a short transition, the boys moved to their home as a pre-adoptive resource.
Since that time, Josh and Nik have demonstrated incredible patience and understanding for the boys, all while going above and beyond to ensure their needs are being met. When I say "needs", I don't mean food, clothing and shelter. I mean what kids really need beyond that; a hug after a bad day, encouraging words when frustrated, or a high five and praise after a job well done. They are able to take the bad days in stride and celebrate the good days, rolling with whatever the day brings and remaining committed and positive.
At the time of the planned move, they had fully decorated the boys room with a theme (dinosaurs) as well as photos of themselves and the prior foster family. When the boys had trouble sharing a room, they immediately prepared and decorated another in superhero theme, giving up their extra bedroom without a thought. The boys' were quickly enrolled in swim lessons and gymnastics, with no question or discussion of cost, and Josh was diligent in connecting with the school system around services and scheduling. They truly treated and loved the boys like their own biological children from day one.
Josh and Nik have a great balance of consistency, discipline and affection that has allowed the boys to feel emotionally safe and thrive in their care. Good social work can only be done when there are committed, good foster parents doing the 24/7 care. They made my job extremely easy because of their understanding and their hard work in helping the boys adjust and ensuring that their needs were met.
Nominator: Angela Meekhof
