Unsung Heroes who help kids in Washington state

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.

Katie Strickland, Spokane

I would like to take a minute to recognize and nominate Katie Strickland for the Unsung Hero Award.

Katie is currently a foster mom of two young children, a 3-year-old and a 9-month-old. Both children have experienced traumas and are navigating health concerns and developmental delays. Katie highly values the foster system and her role in supporting these two young children and their success in life.

Katie is legally blind and is Washington state’s first blind, licensed foster home.

She is an excellent example of the impact the five protective factors can have on a family: Katie consistently demonstrates resilience as new challenges and issues arise; she has a strong support system including family members, friends and local foster care networks; she is patient and understanding of the impact of trauma on social emotional/self-regulation skill building; she has a social network that is diverse in their understanding of social emotional support and parenting styles; and she seeks out and has access to training and a network of supports through DCYF and other agencies to build her parenting skills toolbox to meet the individual needs of the children in her care.

Katie is an asset to our community and a shining example of how to truly open your home and your heart to support a child and their family.

Nominator: Becky Zaleski