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Journey from teacher to foster parent BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
some, it reminded them of past hobbies done back in Ukraine. “I really like to fish,” said Vitalii, “especially when I had the opportunity to do so back in Ukraine.” Vitalii formerly worked construction in Ukraine before joining the war, where he lost both legs. Since leaving Ukraine, Vitalii has lived at Protez for 1 1/2 months. If he were ever to return to Ukraine, Vitalii said he has big plans to aid the war effort. “I want to be able to return to Ukraine and work as a first responder,” Vitalii said. “I want to help those who were in the same situation as we were.” Other soldiers, including Eugen, shared similar sentiments about the trip. Eugen, like Vitalii, also enjoyed fishing in Ukraine before
On any given day in Minnesota, over 6,000 children and youth experience out-of-home (foster) care, according to the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Children’s Home Society (CHLSS) and Lutheran Social Service (LSS) of Minnesota are affiliated organizations that are always seeking foster parents to care for children and youth in need. “We are not finding kids for families, we are finding families for kids,” said Heidi Wiste, CHLSS president and LSS associate vice president. “All of our work is child-centered and through the lens of a child.” The goal of foster care is to reunite children with their birth parents whenever possible. “What these kids really need is somebody who can help them in their time of transition. There is so much newness, there is so much adjustment, whether it is school, the smell of a home, the feel of the sheets, the food in a home,” Wiste explained. “We have some incredibly skilled foster parents who have that flexibility and that patience and a willingness to learn and be a strong support for kids.” Hugo resident Zoua Vue has been a foster parent for a little over three years. During that time, she has fostered five children ages 5 to 14. She is currently fostering to adopt three siblings, ages 7, 9 and 10. They are from Ramsey County and currently attend White Bear Lake Area Schools. She says her 16 years of teaching for St. Paul Public Schools inspired her to become a foster parent. “I’ve had quite a few students that were in foster care. That really inspired me to take some action and be a part of it,” she said. Vue explained that she was a single woman but always knew she wanted children. She started exploring various adoption options and decided on foster care due to the huge need within the Twin Cities. “It just felt like the right thing to do,” she said. The timeline to become a foster parent can vary greatly. In addition to required education courses, several steps must be completed like a physical, a background check, visits with a case worker, etc. “The whole process from start to finish for me was less than a year,” she said. “We don’t want children to be in foster care longer than they need to,” Wiste said, adding that some children may be in foster care for a short time, less than a year, while other children may stay in the system for five to 10 years. Most of the youth who are ready to be adopted are ages 12 and up. As a foster mom, Vue has been able to experience several firsts with the children, like a first birthday, a first Christmas and even a first trip to a restaurant and pool. “When I first got them, I told them I was taking
SEE BEAR BOATING, PAGE 8
SEE FOSTER PARENT JOURNEY, PAGE 15
CONTRIBUTED
Bear Boating hosts soldiers from the Protez Foundation on a two-hour boat ride around White Bear Lake. Stewart Hinerfeld (standing) and Jolene Servatius (front right) of the Protez Foundation led the group. The soldiers (seated) reportedly enjoyed pastries, calm waters, sunshine and sharing stories with each other.
Ex-Ukrainian soldiers soak up sun and talk future plans on boat trip BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER
War. Chaos. The largest attack on a European country since World War II. Through thick and thin, the Ukrainian people have endured Russia’s invasion of their country for almost 2 1/2 years. Some of those who joined the fight have since been forced to bow out after losing their limbs. At the Protez Foundation in Oakdale, help is always available for these soldiers. That included a special twohour boat ride on White Bear Lake that several soldiers took during the early evening hours of May 29. David Ryan, president of Bear Boating in White Bear Lake, organized the event. The nonprofit organization offers boating and fishing trips for
seniors, veterans and activeduty military personnel. “This trip is all about bringing some joy and happiness to their day,” said Ryan, describing his past expectations for the trip. “We want everybody to have a smile on their face after they get off the boat.” Ryan emphasized that the trip is to help aid the soldiers recover from mental trauma from the war. Stew Hinerfeld, a volunteer at Protez, also spoke positively about the trip. “The trip is just to have some fun,” said Hinerfeld, “and enjoy a little rest and relaxation. The Ukrainian community is very supportive of them. Being on the water will be a very relaxing process for these guys.” Many of the attending soldiers were excited for the trip. For
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