By: Brooke Rouse, Social Media & Digital Marketing Manager at Beech Acres Parenting Center 

For Brittney, fostering wasn’t a sudden decision, but it was a calling that had long lived in her heart. Growing up in a large family, she was surrounded by stories of fostering and kinship care, and those early narratives planted a seed. Years later, as a teacher with Cincinnati Public Schools, Brittney had a student who had to leave the state because no kinship or foster placement was available. That moment hit hard. 

“I realized I had a stable career and a home. I was ready,” she recalls. “I knew I could be that support for a child and for a family.” 

Today, Brittney is the proud foster mom—soon-to-be adoptive mom—of a vibrant, resilient 18-month-old little boy she welcomed into her life when he was just five days old. 

For Brittney, fostering isn’t just about parenting – it’s about connection. “The most rewarding part has been building a relationship with my foster son’s biological mom,” she says. “Even though that connection eventually faded, in the beginning I would send her daily milestones. I wanted her to know her son was loved.” 

While reunification was always the initial goal, Brittney emphasized how important it is to support bio families. “Keeping that relationship strong, when possible, is everything,” she says. 

As a single foster parent, Brittney has had to navigate the tough moments whether sleepless nights, early morning fevers, county appointments, and surgeries, all while maintaining her career and sense of self. But she credits her journey’s success to one thing: community. 

“In the beginning, I felt like I had to do it all,” she admits. “But I learned to ask for help—and that made me stronger.” 

Her village includes friends, family, coworkers, and a tight-knit network of respite-certified supporters, over 15 people she can rely on when she needs to attend a workout class or work meeting. This network has helped give her foster son consistency, normalcy, and a strong sense of attachment. 

Brittney is candid about the doubts she had before fostering alone: financial uncertainty, fears about bonding, and the emotional toll of caring for a child you may not keep. But her mindset as an educator has deeply shaped her approach. 

“I came into foster care from a place of love. I believe in loving children in the in-between,” she says. “Even if they aren’t with me forever, I want them to know they were safe, loved, and supported.” 

This philosophy also meant preparing her extended family for potential reunification. “These memories aren’t ours to keep,” she reflects. “They’re his to carry.” 

Brittney’s journey with Beech Acres Parenting Center began before she was even licensed. Growing up near the former Anderson location, she often saw their signs and community presence. “I always wanted to be part of what they were doing,” she says. 

She filled out a form online and began asking questions. Two years later, she was licensed and soon after that, got the call about her foster son. 

Since then, Brittney has used nearly every support BAPC offers including trauma-informed care training, respite care services, and constant access to responsive, encouraging social workers. “Anything I’ve asked for, they’ve helped with,” she says. “They’ve even helped me translate what I’ve learned into my classroom.” 

Brittney knows the road isn’t always easy, but she urges other single parents to take the leap. 

“Be brave. Take the chance on yourself,” she says. “You don’t have to be perfect. You just need to be present. Build your village, lean into community, and use every resource you can.” 

She emphasizes showing up to BAPC events, joining support groups, and connecting with other foster parents. “You’re not in this alone,” she says. 

At the heart of everything Brittney does is a simple, powerful mission: to do right by kids. She’s an advocate for reunification, stronger families, and approaching foster care as an act of service and compassion. 

“Fostering is a passion for me. There’s so much loss in adoption, even in joy,” she reflects. “This isn’t about me, it’s about loving someone else for someone else.” 

And for her foster son, that love began on an ordinary Wednesday, with a call that changed everything. Today, Brittney sees a bright, bold future ahead for her charming, energetic soon-to-be adoptive son and she knows every moment in the “in-between” has been worth it.