By Brooke Rouse, Social Media and Marketing Manager at Beech Acres Parenting Center 

Sometimes, the most meaningful paths in life are the ones we never planned to take. For Gretchen, a dedicated foster care social worker at Beech Acres Parenting Center, social work wasn’t a career she envisioned at first. Through persistence, compassion, and a deep desire to help others, she found her calling. 

Gretchen grew up in Indiana, dreaming of attending college out of state. She enrolled at the University of Dayton in Ohio, where she studied criminal justice and psychology. Though initially interested in the legal system, Gretchen’s path shifted when she began working with the Indiana Department of Child Services. This early exposure to child welfare ignited a passion for supporting vulnerable families and children. 

Her dedication to child welfare grew during her time at Butler County Children Services in Ohio. As she worked with children and families, she realized the importance of pursuing a master’s in social work, which she earned from Ohio University while working full-time. “It was challenging, but the more I learned, the more I realized how critical this work is,” she says. 

During her graduate studies, Gretchen interned with Beech Acres Parenting Center’s foster care department. She worked both as a therapist and a foster care social worker. Although she explored other social work fields, Gretchen was continually drawn back to child welfare. After completing her internship, she returned to Beech Acres full-time, where she now works as a foster care social worker, helping children and families through challenging times. 

What keeps Gretchen grounded in her role is collaboration. She works closely with schools, hospitals, courts, and families to ensure children receive the care they need. But it’s the small, heartfelt moments that remind her of the importance of her work. 

One such moment occurred when Gretchen placed two children with a foster family late on a Friday evening. Upon reviewing the paperwork, she realized one of the children had a birthday that Sunday. With a snowstorm predicted, she contacted the foster parents, who quickly bought gifts and arranged a special outing to a trampoline park. The child’s joy was evident—not just from the celebration, but from feeling loved and remembered. “It was a small act, but it made such a difference,” Gretchen says. 

Beech Acres Parenting Center stands out because of its commitment to building strong, supportive communities for foster families. Caitlyn Gausman, Manager of Placement Services at Beech Acres, explains, “Families choose us because of the sense of community we’ve created. We’re known for caring deeply about our families and providing consistent support.” 

The organization makes an effort to connect foster families with others in similar situations. “When new families join, we pair them with others in their area or those fostering similar children,” Gretchen says. “That support system makes all the difference.” 

Accessibility is another key element. “I always let my families know they can reach out to me—by email, phone, or text. I’m always here for them,” Gretchen adds. This personal connection strengthens the sense of community that Beech Acres fosters. 

Ana Weickert, Manager of Specialized Services at Beech Acres, highlights the holistic approach the organization takes. “At Beech Acres, we believe every child deserves to feel connected and supported,” she says. “From preservice classes to reunification or adoption, we ensure foster families feel supported, whether through training or even a shared experience at a movie night.” 

National Foster Care Month in May provides an opportunity to honor the hard work of foster families. Beech Acres hosts events like the Foster Parent Appreciation Dinner to celebrate these families. These events help strengthen the community and reinforce the collective mission of the organization. 

Gretchen’s journey shows that purpose can find us when we least expect it. Her story proves that one person’s commitment can have a lasting impact on countless children and families. Through her work, Gretchen embodies the true essence of social work: showing up, standing strong, and making sure every child feels loved, supported, and seen. 

At Beech Acres, social workers like Gretchen turn their passion into a lasting impact, providing hope, love, and support to families navigating the foster care system.