Blog Post: Who Are We and How Did We Get Here?
Posted by Jean Martinez | 5/5/2025
Who Are We?
Hi there—we’re so glad you’re here. Whether you stumbled on this blog by chance, know us personally, or you're navigating your own journey into foster care, welcome. This space reflects our lives as a foster family, and we thought it was time to properly introduce ourselves.
We’re a queer family living in California’s Central Valley, made up of me, Jeana (right), my wife, Taylor (left), our two foster-to-adopt children, Ezra Jean and Juniper, and several other foster children whose names and stories we keep private to protect their dignity. We also share our home with three beloved dogs—Fitz, Leo, and Kona.
We love spontaneous dance parties, bedtime stories, strong coffee, and spending time in our garden. More than anything, we believe in showing up—with curiosity, compassion, and open hearts.
Why Foster Care?
Our journey into foster care wasn’t marked by a single lightbulb moment—it unfolded through a series of quiet nudges. I, Jean, knew from a young age that I didn’t want to carry children biologically, but I always felt called to foster or adopt.
My wife and I both knew we wanted to be parents, and we shared a deep passion for supporting families in our community. Fostering felt like a meaningful way to do both: to parent and to serve.
We began asking ourselves, “What if we could offer stability—even temporarily?” We weren’t trying to be heroes (spoiler: foster kids don’t need saviors). We were simply wondering: What if we could be a safe place for someone during their hardest chapter?
As queer adults, we know what it feels like to live outside the norm. To be misunderstood. To long for belonging. That experience gave us empathy—and ultimately, the courage to step into a space where identity, safety, and care are deeply intertwined.
Our Road to Licensing
No sugarcoating here: the licensing process was long, emotional, and full of paperwork. Background checks, home studies, parenting classes, fire extinguisher placements—you name it. We were honest about who we are and what our hopes were for out fostering journey. Not every step was smooth, but each one was necessary to prepare us for the reality of what foster parenting requires.
And then… the call came. And then another. And another. Every child we’ve welcomed has stretched us. Every goodbye has left a mark. And every moment has confirmed that this work—this life—is worth it.
What We’ve Learned (So Far)
You can’t plan your way through foster care. Flexibility isn’t optional—it’s survival.
Trust is earned. Sometimes in inches. Sometimes in complete silence.
Grief and joy coexist. Daily.
Love doesn’t always look like cuddles and smiles. Sometimes, it looks like sitting nearby when they scream. Like packing a favorite snack for a family visit. Like staying.
What to Expect From This Blog
We won’t be posting polished “highlight reels.” We’ll share real stories—messy, tender, sometimes painful, always honest. We’ll talk about systems, support, identity, mistakes, and growth. We’ll celebrate the small victories and name the hard truths.
What we won’t do is share the intimate details of the children in our care. Their stories belong to them. But ours? Ours is fair game. And we hope it helps you feel less alone or learn something along the way!
Thank You for Being Part of Our Village
Foster care is not something you do alone. It takes a village—and we are so grateful you’re part of ours. Whether you're here to learn, support, or simply bear witness, thank you.
We hope you’ll stick around. Read. Reflect. Ask questions. Maybe even share your own story.
With care,
Jean and Family
Foster Parents, Humans, Always Learning
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Have a question or encouragement to share? Drop a comment below—we read every one.
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