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.
Heather Fourstar, Spokane
Heather is quietly taking the world by storm.
Not only did she grow a human this year and had to have surgery during her pregnancy, but she also got a certificate in mental health/suicide prevention. She also enrolled in programs to obtain an early learning certificate and a social service certificate at her community college next quarter. She is applying for a scholarship to be a certified doula thru Bastyr University: All of these things for a mom of seven — four under age 10.
She was sponsored to go to the Equity in Education Decolonizing Education Conference and by the end of the first day she had exchanged numbers with members from the Spokane Tribe and many organizations from her side of the state. She has connected with the American Indian Council in Spokane ready to bridge the tribal services and the services from the YMCA where her children attend.
Her ability to network and collaborate is unmatched. After seeing her in action at Decolonizing Ed and after listening to her talk about why she wants to be a doula, it’s clear that Heather is an amazing community connector who is just getting started. She will be a fantastic doula, but more than that Heather is dedicated to the making of change. Heather is not just the spark for change, she is the fire.
Nominator: Washington State Parent Ambassadors
More Unsung Heroes:
Sandra Stokes is a guardian angel to new moms
Amy Jensen has shown her boys what a mother can do
Through grief, Susan Barbeau has been there for her child, her community
Spokane mom strives to become the best version of herself
SW Washington family share “big, amazing hearts” with foster community
