This Valentine’s, Sunbeam seeks foster parents to open their hearts and homes
Sunbeam welcomes LGBTQ+ foster parents!
(OKLAHOMA CITY)— As Valentine’s Day approaches—a time centered on love, connection, and belonging—Sunbeam Family Services is inviting the community to share their hearts in a meaningful way. This spring, the nonprofit is seeking 10 new foster parents to provide safe, loving homes for children in Oklahoma’s foster care system.
Nearly 6,000 Oklahoma children are in foster care on any given day, and the need for stable, supportive homes remains urgent. Sunbeam is calling on individuals and families to consider whether now might be the perfect moment to show love in action by becoming a foster parent.
“Opening your home to a child in foster care is one of the most profound expressions of love,” said Destyni Trayler, senior program director at Sunbeam. “From your first inquiry to every step along the journey, Sunbeam walks beside you—offering expert guidance, heartfelt encouragement, and unwavering support.”
Sunbeam has supported children in foster care and foster families since the 1930s. Foster families receive comprehensive, wraparound care, including:
- 24/7 access to foster care experts
- Priority placement in Sunbeam’s free Head Start and Early Head Start programs
- Support from trauma-certified therapists and mental health consultants
- Trauma-informed training, both online and in person
- Parent Night Out opportunities and connection to respite care
- A gift card to help welcome each foster child into the home
Sunbeam welcomes foster parents from all backgrounds and family structures. “We welcome all families, including LGBTQ+ families,” said Angie Gaines, Chief Development and Marketing Officer for Sunbeam. “We want everyone to have the opportunity be a foster family.”
Foster families are encouraged to support positive, healthy connections between children and their biological families whenever possible—a practice known as “bridging”—which helps children feel loved and supported by many caring adults in their lives.
“At Sunbeam, we believe every child deserves to feel safe, valued, and loved,” said Sunbeam CEO Sarah Rahhal. “This Valentine’s season is the perfect reminder that love grows when we choose to share it—and fostering is a powerful way to do just that.”
People interested in fostering with Sunbeam can learn more by contacting the Foster Care team at (405) 609‑6682 or visiting sunbeamfamilyservices.org.
About Sunbeam Family Services: Founded in 1907, Sunbeam’s mission is building brighter futures with all children and families. Sunbeam, a United Way of Central Oklahoma Community Partner, is one of Oklahoma’s longest-serving nonprofits. To learn more, call (405) 528-7721, visit SFSok.org or join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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