No better reward than helping a child

Rozann Kimpton had grand retirement plans. She dreamed of cruising to different places around the globe, maybe spending a little time with the great-grandkids.

At age 75, Kimpton is spending her golden years spending a lot of time with her great-grandchildren. She adopted the siblings, a 7-year-old boy and 11-year-old girl. With the state threatening to take the children from their biological parents, Kimpton stepped in to keep them together and with family.

Any possibility they could be raised by others or split up was not a choice, she said.

Kimpton and other adoptive and foster parents spent a fun and emotional time Saturday bowling, eating and sharing stories. The stories are wide-ranging — some adopt children of family members, some are foster parents for babies born to substance abusers while others offer a safe place for kids at some of their most frightening and vulnerable moments.

We were privileged to spend part of our Saturday with Kimpton and about 70 others at North Bowl in Wasilla. These are strong, vibrant families with children who deserve to grow up out of the shadow of neglectful and abusive parents.

Sponsored by the Wasilla office of the Alaska Center for Resource Families, the bowling event was fun for children and adults, who spent considerable time talking and leafing through scrapbooks.

We also met Linda Helmick and Judy Edwards, Valley foster and adoptive parents who are exemplary examples of how opening our homes and hearts can impact children. Helmick has four adopted children and, since 1996, has been a foster parent to more than 50. Edwards fostered and adopted a 3-year-old, Eric, with cerebral palsy.

There are currently about 150 licensed foster homes in the Valley and about 300 children in out-of-home placement, according to the center. That’s a lot of love, but more homes are needed.

It’s unfortunate we need to find homes for children, but the reality of their situations demands that other adults advocate on their behalf. Selfless givers like Helmick, Edwards and Kimpton need our help. We are humbled that Helmick has fostered more than 50 children over the past 14 years, but it is also a red flag that there aren’t enough families in the foster care system.

November is Adoption Awareness Month. We salute those at Saturday’s event and all others who open their homes to children in need. Contact the Alaska Center for Resource Families at 376-4678 to learn how you can become a foster or adoptive parent.

If you do, “You’ll never regret it,” Edwards said. “There can be no better reward in life than receiving a child like Eric.”