Board Member Spotlight

Today, we spotlight Kristen Rhoades, our dedicated Vice Chair at The Foster Network. She has been an essential part of our organization, contributing her time and passion to make a meaningful impact on foster families in our community. Kristen and her husband, Travis, are franchise owners of the Scooter's Coffee locations in Sioux Falls.

In 2017, Kristen and her husband made a life-changing decision to become foster parents. This experience not only opened their eyes to the unique challenges faced by foster families but also ignited a deep desire to provide support and assistance wherever possible. Kristen found a sense of connection and belonging when she discovered The Foster Network, which was crucial in encouraging her and her husband to continue their foster parenting journey for the past seven years.

Kristen's involvement with The Foster Network has allowed her to witness firsthand the pressing need for tangible resources and support for foster families. She finds tremendous fulfillment in volunteering at The Closet, where she has the opportunity to directly impact the lives of children and caregivers who often arrive feeling overwhelmed and stressed. By helping ease their burdens and providing essential resources, Kristen plays a crucial role in empowering these families to face each day confidently.

During her time with The Foster Network, one of Kristen's most memorable experiences involved delivering beds to a grandmother who had taken on the responsibility of caring for her young grandchildren. She had heard about TFN the year prior at church and had hoped to support the organization financially one day. Now, overwhelmed by the sudden change in her circumstances, the grandmother turned to The Foster Network for assistance. Kristen's involvement in providing the cribs and witnessing the relief in the grandmother's voice left an indelible impression on her, reminding her of the profound impact of the work The Foster Network provides.

For Kristen, the heart of The Foster Network's mission lies in the support it offers to foster families. Her ultimate goal is to diminish the sense of isolation and helplessness experienced by foster parents, thereby reducing burnout rates and preventing them from leaving foster care. Kristen firmly believes that every contribution, whether it's through volunteering time or donating resources, plays a pivotal role in supporting foster families and strengthening our community.

Kristen's vision for The Foster Network's future revolves around becoming a go-to resource for all families caring for children who aren't biologically their own. She envisions further expanding The Closet and dedicating time to enhancing our programs, such as The Support and The Events, ensuring families receive comprehensive assistance tailored to their unique needs. Her vision for the future is one of hope and optimism, inspiring us all to continue our efforts.

Kristen encourages everyone to get involved with The Foster Network by volunteering, donating, and sharing the organization's mission with others. She underscores that the organization's inclusive nature sets it apart from other organizations, emphasizing that it serves all families caring for children placed in the foster care system, including kinship families who often struggle to access support from other organizations.

As we continue to work toward creating a more supportive environment for foster families, Kristen's dedication and leadership serve as a driving force behind our mission. We extend our deepest gratitude to Kristen.

Please join us in thanking her for her many contributions to our organization!