Note: Names of everyone featured in this story have been changed to protect their privacy.
It is the belief that every child deserves a safe place that inspired Marie and David Johnson to become foster parents in Saskatchewan eight years ago. Their home has been a place of safety, hope and belonging for more than a dozen children throughout their years as foster parents.
“Opening our doors became a calling,” Marie said, eyes glistening. “I thought I was helping someone, but really it was our whole family that was changed.”
A Journey of Love and Learning
Their first foster placement was Jake, a shy seven-year-old. With the support of the Saskatchewan Foster Families Association (SFFA) and the Ministry of Social Services, the Johnsons received training around Indigenous culture, becoming a trauma-competent caregiver, first aid/CPR and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder during their first year as foster parents.
Dave recalls that through financial support for essentials and health-care coverage, the Johnsons felt equipped to do what mattered most, showing up every single day.
A Youth Finds His Path
Kieran, who is now 19 years old, was placed with his foster family at age 14 and initially struggled with trust and routine.
“They believed in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself,” he said. “They showed up for every parent-teacher conference, helped me apply for scholarships and never missed a soccer game.”
Now a first-year university student studying kinesiology, Kieran credits his foster parents with helping him envision what his future can look like.
A Family Reconnected
Four-year-old Lily entered foster care as a toddler when her biological mother was facing significant challenges. Over the next year, Lily’s foster caregivers worked closely with social workers and extended family to ensure regular visits, therapy and a supportive routine.
When Lily’s mom regained stability this fall, Lily moved back home.
“I’ll never forget the day she went home for good,” said her foster mom Amanda. “It wasn’t goodbye, it was a celebration.”
The Circle of Care
These three stories share a common thread: Compassion. Whether providing long-term care, supporting education or helping children reunite with their birth families, Saskatchewan’s foster families are everyday heroes.
And behind them stands a network of dedicated professionals, resources and training designed to help both the caregivers and children thrive.
Thinking of Fostering?
Foster families are urgently needed across Saskatchewan. If you want to make a difference, here’s where to start:
- SFFA: 1‑800‑667‑7002 or visit the SFFA's website
- Ministry of Social Services – Foster Care Programs: Offers emergency, short‑term, long‑term and therapeutic care options.