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 Heroes for February 11:
Catherine and Michael Gutz – Vancouver
Catherine and Michael Gutz have been foster parents for over 20 years. Over 90 children have been placed in their home. They have cared for babies to teens and for teens who are parenting babies. Kids who come into their home might be scared and confused as they have just been removed from abusive parents or angry and acting out as they have spent years in foster care and are being moved to yet another foster home.
The Gutzes have shown that they are able to meet children where their needs are and help them. They are able to figure out what children need and provide it, be that a hug or permission to be upset. Their home is a safe and secure home. Even after kids are no longer placed in the home they return to check in because it is home to them. Catherine and Michael understand children and their needs with such depth that they are able to successfully guide teen moms in parenting their children. This is a difficult task because they need to both understand the needs of the teen as well as be able explain to the teen what the baby needs.
The Gutzes are resilient. They are able to keep going when they have personal stresses in their own individual lives and the lives of kids in their home. When a child makes a threat in the home, say I am going to beat you up; they take it in stride, understand where the child is coming from and then call the police as appropriate.
This is an example of the kind of care and commitment they have to kids. There was a youth who was placed in their home who had been in foster care for years. This youth was a constant run away. The youth ran from their home several times but they did not give up on the youth. The youth went away to treatment for several months. The treatment facility was several hours away. They went to visit the youth several times while in treatment. This youth turned 18 and decided to stay in foster care and return to their home. This is a youth who had for years been counting down the days until the youth's 18th birthday and could leave foster care. In a very large part due to their care, support and love this youth remained in foster care after the age of 18 and is doing exceptionally well. The youth made the choice to heal and the Gutzes provided the home to do that in.
Catherine and Michael have a strong support system of friends and family. When this youth returned from treatment the youth was enveloped not only by the Gutzes but also their extended supports, helping to provide the youth with what was needed. They know that there are times that they need help and know when to ask for it.
As I social worker I appreciate working with them. They are the gold standard as far as foster parents go. They have a great depth of knowledge and experience and yet they respect the help of the team.
Nominator: Joanne Horner
