DILLINER COUPLE CONTINUES TO OPEN HOME TO FOSTER CHILDREN
News Release: May 25, 2010 Contact: Elizabeth Witte, Communications Director (724-852-5210)
WAYNESBURG, PA — After her third miscarriage in a row, Rachel Heckler had all but given up hope of ever having a child of her own. Determined to somehow still start a family, Rachel and her husband, John, began to consider becoming foster parents.
Then, Rachel’s "miracle" happened: She became pregnant with the couple’s son, Michael.
"We were talking about becoming foster parents when I became pregnant with Michael," Rachel said. "Then after he was born, I had another miscarriage, and we decided to go back to that plan."
With their plan now firm, the Hecklers contacted Greene County Children and Youth Services to start the process of becoming foster parents. Since becoming certified as foster-to-adopt parents in October 2008, the Hecklers have had 11 different children come through their Dilliner home.
In honor of their work with the foster program, the Hecklers were honored May 17 along with five other families during the Foster Parent Recognition Dinner. The couple also recently accepted a proclamation from the Greene County Commissioners, who declared May as Foster Parent Appreciation Month. In addition to recognizing the invaluable contributions foster families give to the more than 31 county children who receive foster care, the proclamation encourages more people like the Hecklers to come forward and become foster parents.
"Foster parents and kinship parents are crucial to the success of children who are in out-of-home placements," said Dee Dee Blosnich, Greene County CYS administrator. “Having more foster homes in Greene County is certainly a critical piece in providing reunification services to children and families."
"These parents answer the call from CYS whether it’s 2 p.m. or 2 a.m.," Blosnich added. "They open up their hearts and their homes in order to provide a safe place for children to stay."
Currently, Rachel, 38, and John, 39, have four foster children ranging in age from toddlers to pre-teens, plus Michael, who turned 4 on May 17.
"Hopefully, it’ll help him become a better person," Rachel said about her son growing up with a revolving set of temporary siblings.
During the past year-and-a-half, the Hecklers have cared for children for as little as two weeks to as long as six months, all while the process of hearings and placements unfolds in Greene County court.
"Every child we’ve had has gone back to their family,” John said. “That’s the primary goal of the foster program – reunification."
No matter how long the children end up staying, the Hecklers try to give them as normal and caring a home life as possible, juggling changing diapers with picking up kids from school or running them to doctor’s appointments. The Hecklers have also housed several children with special needs.
In addition to normal parenting responsibilities, the Hecklers attempt to make a positive, lasting impression on every child who comes to stay.
"In the short amount of time they’re with you, your job is to try to instill values that will make them happy, healthy, productive members of society,” Rachel said. “And hopefully, in some way, it will stick with them when they leave."
Ultimately, the Hecklers see themselves one day adopting a foster child but always continuing to open their home to children in need.
"It’s good to see them come in, but it’s hard to see them go," Rachel said. “You put your heart and soul into it."
"You do end up investing a lot of yourself," John added.
The investment of time and self can sometimes be overwhelming. Rachel admits that she has had to learn to separate her emotions and develop a tougher skin especially when, inevitably, a child must leave her home.
"It’s been rewarding, but it’s also been heartbreaking and hair-wrenching,” she said. “It’s a lot of emotions. Sometimes it feels like an emotional freight train, running from one emotion to the next and the next. But in the end, it is worth it."
Greene County CYS is actively seeking foster parents to provide care for children in need. Anyone interested in becoming a foster parent should contact CYS at 724-852-5217.
Rachel (left) and John Heckler (right) enjoy the swings with their son, Michael, 4, on the family’s playset at their home in Dilliner. As foster parents, the Hecklers are currently caring for four other children, in addition to Michael, their biological son.
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For general information, please contact the Information Services at 724-852-5399 / Toll Free: 1-888-852-5399. County Office Building, 93 E. High Street, Waynesburg, PA 15370
