CINCINNATI — Becoming a foster parent is an immense responsibility that can be very rewarding, but it also comes with its challenges, and that’s why one southwest Ohio organization has stepped up to help.

Spending quality time with the kids is what Barbara Kurtz loves to do. She’s been a foster parent for 20 years now, helping dozens of children. At first, it started small, and then her family eventually grew.

“There was a just a flyer in the church bulletin that said they need foster homes and we were trying to have another child and I was like, ‘Come on honey, we can do this.’ And then from there it just happened,” said Kurtz.

Feeding the animals on the Kurtz farm is a family activity. Kurtz said it not only teaches children quality skills but also helps those who suffer from reactive attachment disorder to better interact with others. 

“It helps them to bond with the animals,” she said. “It’s a good thing, and it teaches them responsibility.”

When Kurtz isn’t spending time with her family, she’s out shopping for the kids. At Hope’s Closet free boutique, she finds all the essentials like clothing, shoes, toiletries, and much more. The boutique serves thousands of foster families every year. Hope’s Closet is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to enrich the lives of the families that are affected by Children’s Services.

“We go through a lot of summer clothes and the kids grow really fast,” she said. “And what’s amazing is not only do we get to do seasonal shopping, but if they grow, and they grow out of their clothes, we can make an appointment to come back also.”

Kurtz’s foster children are among thousands of children in Ohio who are placed in foster care. According to the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services, every day, there are 13,000 children placed in foster care. Kurtz says she’s grateful to hope’s closet for all their help over the years and for making her journey so rewarding. 

“It’s about watching the kids change and how they grow and just love and be part of a family,” she said.