Seattle's Child is proud to once again sponsor the Unsung Heroes being honored in February by the Department of Children, Youth and Families Strengthening Families Washington.
Nominations are accepted from around the state and and include biological parents, grandparents, foster and adoptive parents. Some volunteer at local schools; some have started nonprofit organizations; some mentor others in their communities. All honorees are true heroes: outstanding caregivers doing important work on behalf of children.
Karen Smith
Karen Smith of Shoreline has been a foster parent for over 25 years.
She has provided a home for over 50 children, and has cared for many more. Karen is the hub home provider for one of our office's second Mockingbird constellations. She supports families who are going through challenges by being a mentor and confidant, and provides respite care for children in the constellation.
Karen is a retired NICU nurse and has a wealth of knowledge and experience that she is able to apply to caring for medically fragile children in foster care. Recently she spent an entire month on the East Coast while a child in her care received a lifesaving surgery. The process was expected to take about a week, but she stayed with the child for as long as needed, sacrificing time with her own family.
Karen is diligent about reaching out to the community, finding new and creative ways to ensure other foster parents know about supports in their area. This in turn helps with retention, which we all know is vital to our community.
Karen opens her home to anyone, and always has delicious treats and the best coffee! Thank you Karen for all that you do. We are honored to have you by our side.
Nominated by Jessica Hatch
