Rita Grandberry’s journey as a therapeutic foster parent is nothing short of remarkable. With a history of fostering that began over 30 years ago, Rita’s passion for giving back stems from deeply personal experiences. After her 21-year-old son was tragically murdered, she turned to foster care as a way to heal and honor his memory. “Someone took a child away from me, so I felt the need to give back to other children,” she shares.

Twenty-four years ago, Rita began her journey at Lakeview Center’s Meridian as a behavior health technician supervisor, dedicating herself to providing inpatient mental health services to children ages 7 and older. Ten years ago, she expanded her impact by becoming a therapeutic foster parent through Lakeview Center’s Specialized Therapeutic Foster Care program.

Since then, Rita has offered countless children a safe and nurturing home, guided by her heartfelt philosophy of making every child feel welcome and valued. “When a child comes into my home, I want them to feel ownership, like it’s their house too,” she said. This compassionate approach shines through in her thoughtful gestures, from decorating their rooms to greeting them with warmth and enthusiasm.

Over the years, Rita has faced challenges, like the heartbreak of saying goodbye when a child moves on. But she channels her emotions into helping the next child who enters her care. A particularly moving moment involved a child on the autism spectrum who initially couldn’t speak. That didn’t stop Rita. Through understanding and creative communication, Rita helped him feel safe, eventually leading to his first words after three months in her care.

Rita’s dedication extends beyond her home. She actively advocates for the children in her care, ensuring their needs are met, whether through finding therapy or seeking better educational opportunities. One memorable instance involved securing a private school scholarship for a child struggling in traditional school settings, enabling him to thrive in a supportive environment.

Balancing fostering with other aspects of life comes naturally to Rita, thanks to her supportive and close-knit family. Her grown children and extended relatives warmly welcome each foster child, fostering a genuine sense of belonging. “They become aunts, cousins, and uncles,” Rita shares proudly. Many of the children even affectionately call her “Yiayia,” the Greek word for grandmother.

For Rita, fostering isn’t just a role; it’s her purpose. “Everyone has a reason for being here, and this is mine,” she says. Her advice to aspiring foster parents is simple but powerful: “Love the child unconditionally. See past their faults and find out their needs. If you have the space, time and heart, you can make a lasting impact.”

Rita’s journey is a testament to resilience, compassion and the transformative power of love. She may not be able to change the past, but by fostering, she’s shaping a brighter future for every child who walks through her door. “If I can plant a seed, water it and watch it grow, that’s my reward.”