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 12: Karla Petersen – Seattle, WA:
Karla has been a foster parent for over 20 years and goes above and beyond the call of duty to the children in her home. Karla is a single mother. She has adopted 3 children from the foster care system and 1 is in a guardianship. She is currently in the process of adopting another who is 5 years old who has mild cerbral palsy and has hydrocephalus. She also has 3 other children whom are siblings to one another whom may need permanent home with Karla will keep with open arms. She treats all these children as if they were her biological children. She is very capable of finding resources her children need and fighting for what she feels is necessary for all her children to succeed in all avenues. She is great at keeping all the children's team (SW's, CASA's, case managers, counselors, teachers , ext) on top of all the going on with their children. Karla is a photographer. She understands how important it is to have pictures of yourself growing up which many foster children do not have. She takes so many pictures of her children and loves to share them with the child's team. She also understands the importance of extended family and is dedicated to make this happen as much as possible. All the children in her home are Native (Karla is non-Native) and she is making sure that they learn and get connected with their Native heritage. Karla is compassionate, caring and loving and any child placed in her home are very lucky. The Snoqualmie Tribe feels extremely fortunate to have her as one of our foster parents.
Nominator: Kim O'Hagan
