The Swanger Family
The Swanger Family
In 2023, Ashley and her family felt a stirring they couldn’t ignore. They had heard about a new law that would allow families with five children to foster or adopt, and suddenly, a door that once felt closed seemed to open. They were deeply interested in fostering and adoption, but as Ashley began searching for information online and reaching out to agencies, she quickly became overwhelmed. The details were confusing, and no one seemed able to clearly explain how the new law applied to families like hers or what steps she should take next.
Just when the uncertainty felt discouraging, a friend suggested she contact Foster Family Alliance of North Carolina (FFA-NC). The friend had seen FFA-NC’s work through Christy’s posts on Facebook and felt confident this would be a helpful place to start.
On July 31, 2023, Ashley reached out to Christy. That conversation changed everything.
For the first time, Ashley felt truly informed. Christy answered every question, including ones Ashley didn’t even realize she needed to ask. When the call ended, Ashley didn’t just have information; she had clarity, confidence, and a plan of action. She knew which agencies to contact, how to present her family in a way that felt authentic and helpful, and what next steps would move them forward. With Christy’s guidance and encouragement, the family felt empowered to begin their fostering journey.
When they received their first placement on April 17, 2024, Ashley immediately joined FFA-NC’s Facebook groups. Within days, she was amazed by the outpouring of support through FFA-NC’s May Blessings events. The family won a gift card, enjoyed outings to Lazy 5 Ranch and Great Wolf Lodge, and - just as importantly - connected quickly with other foster families who understood exactly what they were experiencing. That sense of community in those early days meant more than words can capture.
As the months went on, FFA-NC continued to show up in meaningful ways. The Back to School Bash brought haircuts, school supplies, and family fun - a day filled with generosity and joy. Over the past two years, the family attended in-person FFA-NC events that were especially meaningful for their biological children, helping them feel included, supported, and celebrated as part of the fostering journey.
The holiday events left a lasting impression. The Christmas parties, with their thoughtful details, personalized gifts for every child - biological, foster, and adoptive - delicious food, Santa, and a warm atmosphere made each family feel truly seen and valued.
Through the highs and lows of fostering, FFA-NC remained a constant presence. On the hardest days, when questions felt heavy and emotions ran high, FFA-NC was always just a phone call or text away. The information, reassurance, and understanding they received made an enormous difference.
Ashley often describes foster parenting as walking a tightrope - balancing trauma, uncertainty, love, and hope all at once. To her, FFA-NC is the safety harness: steady, dependable, and there to keep families from falling when the path feels unsteady.
In 2025, the family reached a beautiful milestone - adoption day. The plans came together quickly, with less than a week’s notice, and once again, FFA-NC stepped in without hesitation. They helped with planning, supported the family during the ceremony, and made the day incredibly special and unforgettable.
And the journey didn’t end there.
Because FFA-NC supports adoptive families too, Ashley knows this isn’t goodbye - it’s a continued partnership. As they navigate life after adoption, with new questions and new seasons ahead, they are grateful to know FFA-NC will continue walking alongside them.
Ashley’s message to others considering fostering is simple and heartfelt:
Don’t hesitate to reach out. Fostering can feel dark and heavy at times, but FFA-NC is a bright light on the journey. Don’t walk the foster care tightrope alone — let FFA-NC be your safety harness.
