Posted May 26, 2026
As a mom of three and proud grandma of 15, Sharon Carter wasn’t ready for a quiet, empty nest. Instead, she chose to fill her home—and her heart—by giving back to her community through foster care.
She first started taking foster parent classes through the state but once she heard from a friend about Catholic Charities Foster Care program, she decided to check it out.
“Through a friend at church, she’s a part of Catholic Charities... and I called and made an appointment,” Sharon said.
Within her first year and a half of being a certified foster parent, Sharon has had two placements in her home. Her first child was with her for a month, but her second was with her for seven months where she was able to build a solid relationship with her.
At first, Sharon’s second foster child was not happy since she had built a close relationship with a previous foster family and wanted to go back, but Sharon always showed her love and allowed her to take the time she needed to become comfortable.
“When the summer came in, I’ve taken her to swim, and parks and picnics...” Sharon said, “As time went on, she became more comfortable,”
One of the most important parts of being a foster parent is making sure you have the support you need to welcome a child or children into your home, and our foster care staff aim to be a lending hand whenever necessary for parents.
“Miss Alice [Catholic Charities employee] with her social worker, she was always there,” Sharon said.
A few days out of the week Sharon and her foster child would get visits from multiple people from our team to check in and answer any questions either of them might have.
“Miss Alice came Monday. Social worker came Tuesday, then her attorney would come on Friday,” Sharon said, “I have no complaints with Catholic Charities, they did exactly what they said they would do, be there for me.”
In Ohio alone, there are over 14,000 kids in foster care and approximately 7,000 registered foster parents. The need for parents is greater than ever.
“There needs to be more people concerned about these kids out here... because the rate it’s going now, it’s bad out there,” Sharon said.
Although becoming a foster parent has its challenges, Sharon hopes that more people will open their homes to kids that need it the most.
“If we don’t help them [foster kids] who’s going to help them? Just open up your door. Just open up your heart.” Sharon said.
Becoming a foster parent allows you to step into the life of a child whose life has been flipped upside down and become someone they can trust and love until they are reunited with their families.
Our foster care staff provides individuals and families with the training and support they need to welcome foster children into their lives. There is no fee to become a foster parent.
To learn more about becoming a foster parent, click the link below or call 440-843-5635.
Part of the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland
