The Best Yes in Coshocton

God Is Moving in Coshocton County.

We are witnessing God's hand at work in Coshocton County. On May 1st, we were honored to kick off Foster Care Month with our very first event in the area—The Best Yes in Coshocton. It was a powerful evening filled with heartfelt stories, meaningful conversations, and inspiring messages from foster and adoptive parents, nonprofit leaders, and others deeply committed to the world of foster care.

This event marked our official launch in Coshocton County, and what a beautiful beginning it was. Katie Ficker, our local recruiter, curated an evening that gave voice to the real stories of foster care—stories that brought both tears and hope. The vulnerability and authenticity of the foster parents who shared was deeply moving.

Todd sharing his story

One of the most impactful stories came from Todd, an adoptive dad who has fostered nearly 40 children over the years. He shared how fostering was one of the most challenging yet rewarding journeys of his life. His story is a testament to perseverance and love—he went on to adopt six of the children he fostered!

We also heard from Deb Hernley and Alexia Wengerd, both active Encourage foster parents. Deb followed God’s call to serve “the least of these,” leading to the start of a Fostering Love chapter in Wayne County. For Alexia, the spark was ignited in childhood when a family member chose to foster. God used that experience to grow her passion and calling.

Organizations like Pure Gift of God and Fostering Love Holmes County shared how God led them to build networks of support for foster families. Their stories are powerful reminders that saying “yes” to God can lead to lasting change.

Throughout the night, a few key themes echoed in every story:

1. God is faithful, redemptive, and provides the strength needed to fulfill the calling He has for you.

2. Foster parents are not alone. There’s a strong, supportive community ready to walk alongside them.

3. Everyone can play a part in fulfilling James 1:27. Not everyone is called to foster, but all of us are called to care for vulnerable children.

   
   

Katie Ficker, Encourage Recruiter

Katie Ficker shared, “When you get down to it, foster kids just need security, safety and a family who will love them and walk through it with them even when they aren’t making great decisions.”

 Katie continues, “The main requirement for being a foster parent is to have a willing heart to step in and trust the Lord and know there are people there to support you along the way.”

We truly believe everyone can do something—whether it’s fostering, mentoring, making meals, babysitting, or simply praying. Each role matters. Each role makes lasting impacts on kids in foster care.

We’re incredibly thankful to be growing in Coshocton County and invite you to pray for hearts to be open to God's call.

If fostering is on your heart, our next pre-service training in Coshocton County is on June 21. You can learn more and register at encouragefostercare.org/training.

Some of the Encourage Team - Here to Support You!

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If you are a current foster parent, you can find incredible free resources through Pure Gift of God like support groups for moms and dads and their HALO program which comes around the entire family to provide support. Learn more at puregiftofgod.org.

Fostering Love is available in multiple counties all across Ohio. This amazing organization provides monthly respite nights for children of all ages so parents can have a night out. If you are in Holmes County or nearby, you can contact Fostering Love at fosteringlovehc@gmail.com. If you are in Wayne County or nearby you can contact Fostering Love at fosteringlovewayneco@gmail.com.