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 27: Bruce & Tina Nelson – Puyallup, WA:
I have had the pleasure of working with the Nelson foster home for several years and am always impressed with their ability to work with the teenage boys in their home. I have found Tina and Bruce to be so responsive and flexible as well as dedicated to the kids they serve. Tina and Bruce clearly want what is best for the kids in their home and will advocate strongly for each of them. They take the hardest to place teen boys and I have observed even the toughest kids soften under their care. I value Tina and Bruce's work in stabilizing kids and see them as a valuable part of each child's team. Despite the kid's behaviors in their home, and there are many, they remain committed to each of them. They are able to separate the kids from their behavior and see the many strengths each kid possesses. They commit to each child and as a social worker I don't worry that they will give a placement notice at the last minute or if a kid has some struggles in their home. The kids in their care know their level of commitment to them and their concern for them. In addition, Tina and Bruce always engage the kids in their care in fun activities such as quad riding and camps. They put much of their financial reimbursement back into their care of the kids. They take the kids on their family vacations and lines up respite with a licensed family member when they are gone. They treat each kid as a family member and this adds to their security in the home. I would like to commend the Nelson foster home for their work and dedication to the teen boys they serve on a daily basis. My work as a social worker is only strengthened by their level of commitment and care for these boys.
Nominator: Aimee Martin