Insights for Foster and Adoptive Parents
Empowering Foster and Adoptive Families: A Journey with Pam Parish and Connections Homes
The story of Pam Parish is one that resonates deeply with many in the foster care and adoption community. As the founder and executive director of Connections Homes, Pam has dedicated her life to supporting families and children navigating the complex and often emotional landscapes associated with foster care and adoption. Her own journey as a mother of eight daughters—one biological and seven adopted from a variety of challenging circumstances—fuels her passion and commitment to this mission.
Pam’s experience is not just personal; it is profound. With over two decades spent in the foster care system, she has gained valuable insights into trauma-informed care and crisis parenting. Her family includes daughters who have come from diverse backgrounds, including those who faced homelessness, trafficking, aging out of the foster care system, and disrupted adoptions. Each story provides a unique perspective on the challenges and joys that come with fostering and adopting, and Pam uses these stories to inspire and educate others.
In an era where the need for foster families continues to rise, Pam’s work with Connections Homes stands as a beacon of hope. The organization aims to bridge the gap for youth transitioning out of foster care, offering them stable living situations and the support they need to thrive. This initiative is particularly important considering that a significant number of youth aging out of foster care face uncertainties—many do not have a stable support system to help them navigate adulthood.
A Source of Inspiration: Pam’s Devotional Books
Beyond her role as an executive director, Pam Parish is also a published author, having written three devotional-style books that serve as essential guides for foster and adoptive parents around the globe. Her first book, Ready or Not, released in 2012, helps families prepare for the upheaval that can accompany the foster care and adoption processes. It emphasizes the importance of readiness—not just in a logistical sense but emotionally, mentally, and spiritually too.
In her second book, Battle-Weary Parents (2015), Pam offers a lifeline to those who are feeling overwhelmed and exhausted by the challenges of parenting children with trauma histories. She understands all too well how demanding and challenging this journey can be, and she draws on her own experiences to reassure readers that feeling battle-weary is a normal part of the process. Her compassionate insights encourage parents to persevere and highlight the importance of self-care and community support.
Lastly, her 2018 book, The Gift, shifts the focus to the impactful role that foster and adoptive parents play in the lives of children who may feel alone and lost. This work is a reminder of the incredible opportunity these parents have to be a “gift” to children in desperate need of love and stability. The heartfelt stories and practical advice contained within these pages emphasize the profound difference that a loving home can make.
Life on the Farm – A Family Affair
Away from her professional endeavors, Pam finds joy in her personal life as well. She and her high school sweetheart, Steve, have built a life together on a picturesque 45-acre farm just outside of Atlanta. Family is central to their existence; they are proud parents of eight adult daughters and cherish moments spent with their four sons-in-law and five grandchildren.
Their farm life is a blend of hard work and relaxation—fostering resilience and joy. Whether they are tending to animals, nurturing gardens, or gathering around the firepit, Pam and her family cultivate a home filled with love, laughter, and lessons. It’s a beautiful testament to the power of family and community, foundations that are vital in nurturing children who have faced difficulties.
Looking Ahead…
Pam Parish’s journey, both personally and professionally, not only embodies resilience and determination but also serves as an encouragement to foster and adoptive families everywhere. Her organization, Connections Homes, along with her inspirational books, equips parents with the tools they need to navigate their own challenging paths.
For those considering foster care or adoption or for those already immersed in these transformative experiences, Pam’s work and life story offer wisdom, practical strategies, and the reminder that they are not alone on this journey. As the demand for loving homes continues to grow, Pam’s voice remains a vital part of this crucial conversation, empowering families to create environments where healing and hope flourish. In the end, the real gift is the lasting impact these families can have on the lives of children who need it most.
