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. Throughout February, 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 the stories of 2024’s unsung heroes.
NOTE: Seattle’s Child is running these stories unedited, as written by the people who nominated them, in keeping with the DCYF Unsung Hero process.
Kaycee Stauffer, Lynden
I am continuously amazed by Kaycee’s willingness to open her home to foster children, and those who have complex medical needs. She loves to take young infants and help them attend appointments, meet with specialists, and do the work that is needed to enable these young ones to thrive, and she is really good at it!
I swear, every time I text her to check in and see how she is doing, or ask her a question related to supporting my placements, she is at Children’s Hospital for an appointment, surgery, you name it.
One time we had plans to meet up at the Great Wolf Lodge for the Foster Parent Alliance of Washington State (FPAWS) conference – and she couldn’t attend last minute as the placement she had was able to get surgery that same weekend.
If they delayed the surgery, it would be pushed off to a much later date and the baby needed the surgery. She is always taking on new placements and is even open to taking on sibling sets despite already having other placements. Kaycee is amazing and a constant inspiration for what she does for all the children who fall into her care. It would be so lovely to see her honored for all that she is doing in her life to help others.
— Hilary Schwandt
More Unsung Heroes:
A tireless advocate for special kids
Walking the talk of inclusivity
