‘I just wish we could take them all.” That sentiment came from Marianna Litovich, who, along with her partner, Kelley Fike, received well-earned recognition from the state for being unsung heroes to children growing up without families.
Driven by a desire to make sure all children in the foster-care system “have someone in their corner,” the South Hadley couple has opened their home as foster parents, where children can get the comfort, warmth, security, belonging and love they so dearly deserve.
For their commitment and compassion, Litovich and Fike last month were honored as Foster Parents of the Year, one of five sets of foster parents in the state to receive the honor this year from the state Department of Children and Families.
They adopted their first son, TJ, now 7, from the foster-care system four years ago. A year later, the couple’s now 3-year-old son, Luca, was born. And last year, TJ’s brother, Shawn, now 5, joined the family by adoption from the system. In addition to parenting their three boys, the couple has provided respite and short-term foster care for two infants.
Roughly 738 children age 17 and younger in western Massachusetts are living in Department of Children and Families-approved foster homes. Some babies are “bouncing around every 24 hours,” Noryn Resnick, founder of HelpOurKids, told the Gazette in an interview.
That’s why people like Litovich and Fike are so important. But they would be the first to say they can’t do it alone. The nonprofit aims to improve the lives of children in western Massachusetts foster care, and has worked hand-in-hand with Litovitch and Fike to provide stability and support and to recruit help from more families. “There are so many kids in need out there,” Fike said. “If we can promote a little happiness and provide a little stability in their lives, that’s the least we can do.”
Becoming a foster parent requires an uncommon commitment. Foster parents aren’t just thrown into the mix haphazardly; the licensing process takes time and includes state-mandated training, background checks and a home study. But as Litovich and Fike can attest, it could could be the hardest job you’ll ever love. To learn more about becoming a foster or adoptive parent may call 1- 800-KIDS-508 or visit Mass.Gov’s DCF section.
Meantime, another Valley resident, Amherst’s Constance Kruger, has been recognized with a state award for her efforts to improve affordable housing throughout the state and in her hometown.
It’s one thing to voice support for affordable housing. It’s another to devote two decades to the effort. That’s what Kruger has done, and her work has paved the way for individuals and families of all incomes to be able to live or remain in communities rather than be forced out by rising prices.
For this advocacy work, the state Housing Partnership honored Kruger with its Housing Hero Award. Because of her efforts, affordable housing issues are on the minds of at least 1,000 local officials and volunteers who trained as part of annual two-day Housing Institute conferences Kruger started in 2002 and oversaw for the Housing Partnership during its first five years.
The Select Board member has a rich history of serving her town. She should be rightfully proud of this award. It’s people like Kruger, Litovich and Fike – and countless others – who help make the Valley a great place to live.