Pam Parish: A Beacon of Hope in Foster Care and Adoption
Pam Parish stands as a pivotal figure in the realm of foster care and adoption, having dedicated her life to advocating for vulnerable children and families. She is the founder and executive director of Connections Homes, an organization that aims to provide support and resources for young people navigating the complexities of the foster care system. Her motivations stem from her personal journey as a mother to eight daughters—one biological and seven adopted—who have come from a myriad of challenging circumstances, including foster care, trafficking, and homelessness.
With over 20 years of experience in foster care and trauma-informed care, Parish brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to her work. Her background encompasses crisis parenting, an area where few possess the necessary skills to foster resilience and stability in children facing adversity. This expertise is crucial, as the trauma experienced by many children in the foster care system can lead to significant emotional, behavioral, and social challenges.
Parish is also a published author, with three devotional-style books that have garnered recognition and are utilized worldwide. Her first book, Ready or Not (2012), serves as a comprehensive guide for families preparing for foster care and adoption. It emphasizes the importance of readiness in creating a loving and stable home environment. Following this, Battle-Weary Parents (2015) addresses the inevitable fatigue and emotional drain many caregivers experience, offering encouragement and strategies to “stay in the game” during difficult times. Her most recent work, The Gift (2018), highlights the profound impact adoptive parents can have on the lives of children who often feel alone and unsupported.
Pam resides on a picturesque 45-acre farm just outside of Atlanta with her high school sweetheart, Steve. Together, they are nurturing a large family, including their eight daughters, four sons-in-law, and five grandchildren. Despite their busy lives, the Parishes prioritize quality time spent outdoors, tending to their animals, gardening, and gathering around the firepit—a testament to the values of family and community that they instill in their children.
Through her multifaceted roles as an educator, author, and advocate, Pam Parish continues to be a beacon of hope for foster and adoptive families. Her commitment to nurturing emotional resilience among children and families remains an inspiring force in the field of child welfare. As the challenges facing the foster care system evolve, the insights and solutions offered by devoted professionals like Pam are essential for building a brighter future for vulnerable youth.
