Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful moms out there. Sending a virtual hug to those who may struggle on this day 🤍

I recommend a “period kit” just left in the bathroom with everything a girl might need (including books for info and maybe a place where notes could be written back and forth with questions a girl might not feel comfortable voicing). Put some chocolate in there and a heat pack with pads and tampons in a cute box under the bathroom sink and just let them know it’s there during the house tour ❤❤

I’m a social worker and I worked as a licensing specialist at a foster care (l was the one to license people). It was so disheartening when I would meet parents and take them through the process of getting licensed and they only wanted small children. Older children need homes and affection as well. I’m so glad to hear people advocating and supporting older children in foster care. Fostering is such a beautiful journey. I wish you guys all the best ❤

If it’s allowed, you should leave some of the stuffies. Even teenagers love stuffies, and if they can take it with them, they’ll always have something to remember you and the love and safety you gave them.

The 2nd bedroom isn't "just a place to sleep" for these kids. That room will be their safe space, their sanctuary. I wish you both all the best on your journey into fostering. I think you two will be great foster parents.

As a 15 year Resource family ...may I suggest leaving the items on the wall....ask the youth, preeteen, or teen... For some youthful things help them feel safe, loved, and or less stressed because they finally know they dont have to be adults any longer.

Cole, your love and respect towards Charisma is another powerful gift you offer to youths and young adults everywhere.

I was in residential care because I was disabled and very abused in the system ... I would have loved parents like y'all ❤️

These children will be so fortunate to have you in their lives. Wishing you all the best on this new life journey.

I'm so glad you arendoing older kids. I was in foster-care off and on 15-17 and it 100% saved my life. I also had a great fostermom who had Ms. and was in a wheelchair and when she had little ones they loved riding around in her lap in her electric chair. I wanted to add to the folks saying keep the stuffies even for older kids. My foster mom had a collection of animals in a closet and everyone regardless if age got to pick one when they arrived amd take them with when they left (she mainly did emergency placements) and I still have my bear. The avocado squishmallow and other ones will probably be popular with the older ones but I’d put any stuffies somewhere for the girls to choose one it made such a difference to me and the kids I was in care with.

Any child they put in your home will be welcomed, cared for and listened to. And you'll grow to love them as they will YOU!

Any child will be lucky to have you as a Foster family 🙏❤️

My sister is a social worker for CPS and she handles an aspect that most people don’t consider - foster children who age out of the system. Imagine being 18 with no family support. She helps to hook them up with resources and plays a role in their lives as they transition to being, hopefully, fully productive adults.

I taught in Special Ed. Resource non-severe for over 20 years. We often had little people from group homes or foster homes. One day one of my students (5th grade) ran away from his group home. When they found him & brought him back to school I gave him a hug(against the rules, but I didn’t care) and told him don’t ever do that again. Telling him, you scared me! He asked why? I said because I care about you. It almost made me cry when he answered…that’s the first time I ever heard anyone say that! 😢 Yes, the babies are cute, but the older ones need someone to care about them and love them too. 💜

Oh how BLESSED all the children will be having SELFLESS, Loving Foster parents like you two. Not only will the kiddos who get y’all be so blessed, & loved, but you two will be as well. AWW. MY HEART!! I’m So Happy for Y’all, & the kiddos!! I can already feel The UNCONDITIONAL LOVE!! 😍💜💜

“Youth are so overlooked in the foster care system. So many don’t won’t the older kids, 💔 which makes me sad, because they DESERVE LOVE, & a home too!!” Thank You Charisma for saying that!! 💜

We adopted two of our kids as youth from foster care one at a time, and we have one homemade kid. We weren't foster parents; I was their teacher. 💜

Youth Foster Placements are so needed. Aging out the system is so hard and has many negative outcomes for so many youth. I REALLY hope that if you have youth who age out while they are with you (or shortly before they do), that they are allowed to maintain some contact with you and feel love and support from you as they move on. You will be GREAT Foster parents.

Honestly I am so excited to know that you two are WILLING TO FOSTER OLDER CHILDREN. That just shows your heart's are very pure regarding helping the kids that NEED safety and real love. You two are made for this. God knows your heart's. It's a privilege for me to have spent years getting to know you two. Next chapter......... GO!! ❤❤❤❤

We adopted a 10 yr old from FC (12 yrs ago now!) her last foster family was just the best and they remember the parents-good or bad. They make a difference and we were so grateful to them!

My mom’s friends fostered and adopted two kids. I watch them grow up. This is a beautiful thing that they’re helping people and kids and we need good people like them more in this world.❤

The rooms look really nice! Blue and Orange complement each other well. Maybe some games or corner helping with angerrelease and sensory overload due to trauma could be a nice Addition? Some plushies could return for Sure.

What you're doing is truly beautiful. By opening your home to teenagers in need, you'll be a blessing to every single one of them. May God bless you abundantly for this decision.

I think it's great your taking older children. I think you will be a blessing. Know that when they are older they a lot of times come with more anger and a lot of issues. Cole you are gonna be a great example of over coming. And both of you have great energy. Many children have had nothing. You may have to teach them how to take care of things. I worked with a 12 year old that ate off the table with his hands. He had never experienced sitting at a table together with plated and silverware. It's not going to be easy but the rewards outlay the heart ache at least in my opinion. I have struggled more with the system than with the kiddos. Love yall!

As a former Foster turned resource family parent I wish you all the best it was the greatest most fulfilling most frightening most revealing time of my life. Because I am disabled and have limited movement I was a foster parent for girls 13 years and up. Over about 5 years. I had about five girls live with me from over night to almost 2 yrs. If when ever possible I made sure to keep the girls in thier home school and get them into free summer and after school programs life boys & Girls clubs, it minimizes the Grumman of change and keeps them busy. Because you're doing emergency shelter you probably won't get a great deal of information regarding your kids. But try to get as much as possible so that you can know what to expect. I found being consistent and open to letting them take the lead in conversation helped them feel more in control in a frightening out of control situation. Let the love and kindness that comes through a new videos shine through for them and you'll do just fine. Take care of yourselves and support each other reaching out to the social workers and other resource parents for support and get ready for a wonderful ride❣️ Helping Every kid, no matter what age is a chance to do good and to learn something more about yourself and grow in compassion. All the best ❣️

You two will be a breath of fresh air to these teens. Please remember to be patient with them as well as with yourselves as everyone gets acclimated in the beginning. You'll be great at being a foster mom and dad and positive role models🙏🏽.

This is a very awesome caring thing you guys are doing. Me being a former foster kid understands the importance for good, kind, caring, welcoming and mostly understanding foster parents. I was a teenager when I was placed into foster care and it is such a shock to be placed with complete strangers in a whole new environment with new boundaries, life sets, schools, friends. The whole process for a kid to be removed from their home a placed somewhere else is unbelievably a shock for kids. I am much older in life now - I'm a Mimi BUT I do remember my years in foster care and the impact the families had on me even still.

Hi Cole and Charisma. Hoping all the best for you guys.

My aunt was open to adoptions but she would also watch older kids she fell in love with two boys and then they relatives wanted them back she was disheartened as she so loved them But then her kindhearted social worker gave her a beautiful baby daughter to raise and she was able to adopt her And loved her so . We call her our cousins and never looked at her as adopted. I also have a friend who adopted two boys and has been nothing but an amazing mom since they were babies I think parents who adopt are so empowering especially when they give nothing but unconditonal love as if they were they own kids thats what's so special tender love and care

I Substitute Teach in Boston, and I absolutely love my students. With older kids, there are so many personalities. You have to approach them all very differently because you don’t always know their past, and worries. Reassure them they are in a safe space. Because they will be of teen age, I’d suggest making a welcome basket, and leaving it on their bed. Maybe add some feminine care products, snacks, small gift card, a popular teen book, and maybe some board game you guys can play to bond. I highly recommend “heads up”, which you can also put on your phone… It seems to give everyone the giggles at my house. Well anywho, I know you guys will do great! Seriously! They’re just as nervous as you guys! ❤ The more open you are with kids, the more open they’ll be with you 😊

I’m at mentor for mostly teens, some have been in foster care or adopted and they are truly the best! They just need compassion, support and to feel safe.

God will definitely bring children to you, that he knows who need you, and he knows that when he does, they'll be in good hands with y'all.

That orange and blue room is meant for a special kid! I’d recommend keeping it like that. You’ll help some kid express themselves for sure. Plus it’s bright which adds positivity and neutral for gender. So excited for you two! Can’t wait to see this journey flourish 😇

I’ve always wanted to be a foster partner/adopt but I am terminally ill and I’ll never be able to have that chance. I’m thankful good people like you are doing it. I just hear horror stories and after meeting a girl in the foster system when I was in the hospital when I was 17 I wanted to adopt her so bad but my parents wouldn’t let me clearly I was still to young and just broke my back. But I bonded with her so bad and after hearing her stories I just knew I could give her a great life and that’s what I want. I’m happy they have you. Thank you thank you thank you.

I bet teen girls would love some of the stuffies like the avocado. You are both awesome to be willing to take on teens. I hope that it will be a positive experience for you. Happy Mother to be day!

I’m a teenager mom( 15 years old) and honestly it all comes back with experience. ( you are so sweet) they will love you !! Honestly my biggest advice is too just listen to them , they want to be Hurd, love them even when it’s hard,and show them your not going anywhere, and be a “friend “❤❤

Cole and charisma, I was a young girl that needed parental figures in my life and I would have been ecstatic and blessed to be cared for and loved by you two. Y’all are the best, ❤❤❤❤❤❤. Thank you for highlighting and being aware of the trauma that comes behind fostering, your hearts are in the right place and you will make such an impact on these young lives. XO

All I would suggest is that from the outset you set clear boundaries and modus operandi. Love and structure go hand in hand.

What is your family saying about all of this? You two people are wholesome. A breath of fresh air!

I am so excited to follow you as you begin your journey of being a blessing through fostering older youth. I wish you nothing but success as you two make a beautiful difference in children's lives. God. Bless.

I will be praying for you both 🙏🏽 They need people like you both. Blessings 🙏🏽

Wow. You two are choosing to do SUCH HARD WORK. Thank you! You’re going to do great!!!

I think you will make excellent foster parents❤️As a former foster parent when I was younger please feel free to ask questions about the children so that you are prepared for any issues they may have as a result of abuse/neglect. For example, I had one that set fires inside the house when he felt unsafe/anxious. One hid plates of food under the bed, as-she was not fed very often and some were struggling with boundaries as a result of sexual abuse. These kids need parents like you that are patient, understanding, consistent and loving. Until they feel safe routines are good for them too. You have a lot of love to give and I am so excited for you both!!!

So thankful you’re accepting placements that aren’t babies. Huge need for pre and teens. I use to foster teenage boys it was such a wonderful experience. Before we fostered we volunteered as casa workers as it is called in Virginia. It really helped us to make great connections that helped us move into foster care. You really build relationships with case workers, managers overall cps. It is also a very important and needed part of cps.

I’m so happy that you’ve decided to be foster parents. I was put in foster care after I was born and my foster parents wound up adopting me and they were the best people.❤❤❤❤❤❤

I was a foster parent for 12 incredible years. It's definitely got it's up and DOWNS. I truly believe that the system is doing MANY of the children an epic disservice especially those that come from traumatic situations in their family homes. Instead of the state giving these children reputable and qualified therapist, they are given students as though these kids are guinea pigs. They need real therapist with real experience to help these children navigate through their traumatic experiences. I've had children that were extremely violent in my house. From breaking windows, stealing, sneaking out, and the list goes on. I was with one of the most reputable agencies within my state. It's amazing how the social workers turn a blind eye. I understand why many choose much younger children because it's less likely they'll be able to do many of the things I listed above. But those younger children do have challenges as well. I had a young child that came from a home that saw lots of physical abuse from his parents. At 4 years old he's in preschool during lunch taking a plastic knife and making stabbing motions on his pregnant teacher's belly. He was kicked out. I can't count the many times that I was physically assaulted by older children. after 12 years when I was finally at my wit's end, ready to throw in the towel, three amazing young boys, Brothers needed a home, I followed my gut feeling and welcome them into my home. Out of the 12 years of me being a foster mom, these three boys were the most amazing children. To this day..we continue to keep in touch. They are now all married with children. Unfortunately my experience is not rare. I know many amazing foster parents they go through many trials and tribulations with the children that are placed in their homes. They work so hard but receive little help from the agencies. I wish you the best of luck in your new journey as new Foster parents.

Fantastic news, Cole and Charisma. Had my last placement a year ago. (Retired) Fostering was the best thing I ever did. It can be challenging but the rewards of transforming a life cannot be matched. Your supervising social worker is always there to support. You will be great at this.

I'm excited for you guys, and I'm remembering being a foster kid in that age range. I was desperate for care, but I had a huge problem with authority, and I was struggling with sexual trauma which went unaddressed. I'm so glad to know that such a sweet, loving couple will be providing a safe space for young women who desperately need it. ❤

Thank you so much for sharing. I have been on the other end with my kids being removed from me. I wish there was more people like you guys that would be so selfless to open there home for children in need.

The love you have for each other, your dog Sophie and future foster kids is soooo heartwarming. God bless y’all real good! 💕

I’m so happy for y’all. Unfortunately, that age group does get looked over a lot.

I so admire and respect your positive attitudes, it's not easy to just adjust dreams and goals but you're still smiling! ❤ how awesome is this. Wishing you the best in your parenting experiences to come!!!

My goodness. Any child is going to be so lucky and blessed and I know you'll feel that exact same way 💐🎊🎉😇💖

What a great environment for a foster child - you will be great parents and Sophie will keep a watchful eye 🌻

Congratulations ! These kids are sooo lucky to both of you in their corner. My hubby were houseparents at a facility for at risk teens. It was some of the most fun, and worthwhile times, of our lives but also some of the most overwhelming and stressful times. Trust in the Lord, trust in your superiors above you, and most importantly, give yourselves a break every time you can. They should have respite caretakers that you can get away for a dinner or just do something relaxing together. It’s easy to get burned out, so make sure to take care of yourselves! So proud and ex it’s for yall to start this next journey.

I know you live in Calif. but Id seen the channel..Now I am known. Peter has fostered teens AND adopted. Children that are placed with you will be blessed. Having a space and things they can pick out so they can make it their own to help them feel heard, loved and safe can hopefully help them transition easier. Wishing you all the best! 🙏😊

Any child that comes into your homes and heart 💛will be very blessed!!! I wish you both the very best!!! 🩶💛😊🩶💛

Charisma, girl, what are you doing? I've been watching you guys since the beginning, and you are even more beautiful 🤗 You're ok too Cole 🤣 💕, love y'all both. You've got Dad jokes already 😂

What you’re doing is so wonderful. You’re providing a safe harbor. Can’t wait to hear updates.

I work at Santa Barbara county CWS and teens are harder to place. Its beautiful that you are able to be that stop gap as the shelter program was not ok. Watching the end of this video made me so happy as I have met so many of those teens they deserve the attention you are willing to provide.

We took in many 14-18 yr olds. I keep intouch with 5 girls who call me mom all these years long. I have foster gran kids and now my girls are in their 40's. A big bulletin board in each room works great, so they can pin their photos, drawings and momentos. Start collecting plastic drawers to put their things in the closet and they can take them with them. Most still arrive with items in a garbage bag! I found family projects around a table were something the craved, like carving pumpkins, making individual pizzas, playing games. Know that you both are there to impact a moment of time in their life, maybe a week, maybe 4 months. Have fun and pray through the challenges!

Cole & Charisma, you guys are so inspiring and you'll make wonderful parents. I know Cole came from a very remarkable & strong family background. Charisma is such a warm & wonderful human being that her family are likely just like her! Good fortune & God bless. Note: the fact tgat so many kids come from chaos that i think its ludicrous that foster care demands each to have a room. When taking sibling groups, they're generally very close in age & prefer to stay in the same room as their siblings.

Best of luck Cole and Charisma, you've got this!! Look forwards to a post when you have time but don't pressure yourself. Your true fans and followers really care about you. Take care 🙂 💕

It is truly wonderful & so caring that you guys want to help children in need. Whoever you get will be so grateful to have you two as their foster parents. Bless you Both. Happy Mother's Day Charisma💐

So excited for you guys on this journey. You will be great foster parents. Any kid to enter your home will be lucky to have you in their corner advocating for them.

Foster parent in Texas. I was licensed for 2 weeks before receiving placement, we’ve been licensed for 3 years with 18 placements. We’ve adopted 3 kiddos 🤍 and have placement of 3 kids looking to adopt them in the near future. Keep your faith, for an ever changing system. You are constantly on edge, constantly not knowing what’s going on. It’s frustrating, emotionally draining but so rewarding. I’m praying for y’all’s journey 🤍

God's blessings to you both and to the children being placed with you. I just know that you two are going to be awesome foster parents ❤️❤️

Cole comes thru w/ the complementary color! Orange and blue are opposites on the color wheel! Perfect together!

Congratulations on your new journey. I look forward to hearing more about your experience with the program. Teens also love squishmallows, so don't be afraid to leave a few cuddly things out.

You will make such a positive impact on these kiddos- such a rough time for them - yay for you ❤❤❤

I know you guys will be amazing parents and just as amazing foster . These children will be so blessed and fortunate to have you guys in their lives also guidance. Cole and Charisma two big hearts❤❤💕.

You guys are so awesome. Good luck with your fostering journey. The kids will be blessed to have you.

Congratulations you two! You guys are going to rock this new role and be such a blessing to these girls. 😊

So happy for you guys, I think ya'll are the most caring people, so be encouraged and do what your heart is telling ya'll. God bless you.

Good luck on your new journey.

You two are simply amazing. God bless you both.

You guys are going to be some of the best foster homes!! Those kids are going to be so blessed by being paired with you! You're an amazing couple that are caring and loving, which those kids are going to need! ❤

I'm so happy for you two and hope you get a call for being foster parents soon. God bless!

You guys are such an inspiration and will do very well. God bless you on this new journey 💕🙏🏽

Thanks for sharing and thanks for being in this program. You guys are beyond amazing and awesome!

Cole is such a comedian!!!! Just love how flexible and others oriented you guys are. Blessings to you both!!!

Excited for you guys! Wishing you all the best with your youth placements.

You 2 are such a blessing, Im tearing up at how you just meet every challenge head on, then just "get on with it"...❤❤❤

I am looking forward to this new journey that you both have chosen. God Bless you both on this new pathway. You're both going to be Awesome Foster Parents.

You both have the most beautiful biggest hearts ever, and are going to help these girls in ways that will stick with them forever♥️

May God bless you both for opening your heart and home for these kids that deserves a loving home

You will be AMAZING and such a blessing to these young ladies ❤ thank you for sharing your hearts with them

I’ve been a foster parent and am so glad you’re interested in fostering. Thank you!

God bless you both as you open your home to these hurting and beautiful young women

That's awesome! I am so happy for you two! You will be great Caregivers for these young kids going through so much. God Bless You! Best Wishes! I hope & pray all goes well!🤗🙏🏻💞

Congratulations!!! Charisma and Cole on your new journey👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🥰🎊🎉🥳

Congratulations…..so excited for you both!! We (it’s a family affair) fostered over 14 years, cared for over 40 children, adopted 2……A part of our lives for which we are forever Thankful….. Your “ journey “ will be great, both challenging and fulfilling……Blessings!!

My goodness! I love y’all so much I just pray God to bless you with everything you ever want in life!! I love the nursery it’s beautiful and I’m so happy for you guys! What’s meant to be will be. I’m sending nothing but prayers love & light your way! God bless❤

I’m sending you love, hugs, and prayers ❤🥰🙏 You guys will truly be fantastic foster parents 🩷..love the rooms

So wonderful!! Roll on kiddos!! Super excited for you!

Glad to know you’re advocating for fostering youth peeps. We laughed when Cole startled Charisma. 💚

I’m so happy for you. You’ll make great foster parents. They will be lucky to have you. 😊

This is very exciting for the children/youth who will be blessed to be in your home, lives & family. Although the path for them getting there may be difficult and full of feelings, emotions & unknowns, they couldn't ask to be with better people than the two of you❤We are all looking forward to seeing how this goes. Enjoy your vacation & see you next time❣️

Many blessings to you both with being foster parents ❤You both are going to be such a Hugh impact on their lives

Congratulations on your new adventure! You are special people taking on teenagers! Looking forward to hearing about how things progress with the foster care!