by Kylee Boyter
kboyter@cherryroad.com

On Monday, October 7, Richfield Main Street was not just lined with purple pinwheels, ribbons, and bows, but hundreds of residents who gathered with Utah Foster Care representatives and First Lady Abby Cox to discuss the dire need for foster families in Sevier County, specifically Richfield.

“This is something you can be apart of and you can change a child’s life,” said First Lady Cox.

It was shared that in the state of Utah, there are actively 5,000 children in need of foster families and in Sevier County alone, there are roughly five dozen.

“This is a revolving door,” said Kip Hansen, Richfield City council member, “This is an ongoing need for children that are in these situations at no fault of their own.”

Hansen shared his personal story of adopting his youngest son and what a blessing it can be on you and your family.

“When you see the impact you can make on a child and see them succeed, it not only blesses their lives, but yours as well,” said Hansen.

First Lady Cox called upon Richfield to take action by either becoming a foster family or supporting your fellow foster families in the community.

Denice Beacham, stepped forward to share her story of becoming a foster mother and foster family.

“In the 26 years we have been fostering, we have assisted 250 children,” said Beacham.

She shared that her journey to fostering was accidental and something she will never regret.

“I received a phone call inviting me to a foster parent meeting,” said Beacham. At this time, she hadn’t been actively looking into fostering, but something about the call drew her in.

Beacham attended the meeting where the instructor had the attendees all place their things on their desks and prepare to leave their belongs, go outside, and get into a car and head to an undisclosed location.

“The women explained that we couldn’t know where we were going, but not to worry it’d be safe and our things we’d left here would be safe as well.”

This is when Beacham began to panic, imagining her children at home wondering where she’d gone if she didn’t return when expected.

“The instructor saw the look of fear in my eyes and explained that this scenario wasn’t going to happen,” said Beacham.

The instructor then explained to the attendees that this was the same fear a child went through when told to go with a DCFS agent however, they may have a more severe reaction or fear because they are leaving behind their family, their home, and not sure when they’ll return.

“After that class I realized if I could help, I needed to help,” said Beacham.

Beacham explained that each child they’ve welcomed into their home needed peace, a safe space, and not only did the Beachams’ help them, but they also helped her family too.

“It is by no mistake that my grown children are all in careers that focus on serving others,” said Beacham. “Fostering instilled in them this value of helping others, and I am grateful for it.”

Beacham and the other presenters shared the scary part of the unknown – what questions will they ask, what will happen next, or am I going to be able to handle this?

“We are here to be honest and helpful, that not every situation will be easy, in fact none of them are, but these are children and they need a home and a family,” said Beacham.

At the end of the event, several families approached the speakers to ask questions and learn about resources, but the call to action is not over. Nearly five dozen children in and around Richfield are in need of foster families.

If you or someone you know is interested in fostering, please visit https://utahfostercare.org/.