It is often said that angels are all around us. One of KVC’s foster and adoptive families was recently honored by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute as one of its Angels in Adoption. Although their wings are not visible, Kathy and Lon Ostrom are truly guardian angels to many of KVC’s kids. They have fostered more than 20 children since 2006, providing a safe home for children who have experienced trauma and abuse, and for children with high medical needs.

In 2007, 3-year-old Eli and his sister, 20-month-old Annie, came to KVC after the death of their biological mother. During this difficult time, the Ostroms fostered Eli and Annie and provided the love and support necessary for them to heal emotionally.

Then in October 2007, the Ostroms began fostering 3-month-old Skylar, who needed care to heal physically after he was severely abused. When they took him in he had bruises and broken bones, and they wondered if he would ever recover.

Hope came after a few weeks of nurturing and caring for Skylar. “I remember holding him one afternoon while giving him his bottle,” Kathy said, “when he looked at me and sighed as if to say, Finally, I’m safe; I’m home.”

Skylar really was home. Kathy, Lon and their two biological sons, 19-year-old Brandan and 17-year-old Brooks, became Eli, Annie and Skylar’s Forever Family in 2010. 

The Ostroms continue to foster KVC kids, even though they will soon have six children of their own. They have been fostering 12-year-old Jay’La since January 2010, and they can’t wait to adopt her as the newest member of their family.