Pam Parish: Championing the Future of Foster Care and Adoption
Pam Parish, a notable advocate for foster care and adoption, is the founder and executive director of Connections Homes, an organization deeply rooted in her personal journey as a mother to eight daughters. Her family comprises one biological daughter and seven adopted girls, each of whom faced unique challenges—ranging from aging out of the foster care system to overcoming the horrors of trafficking and homelessness.
With over two decades of specialized experience in foster care, trauma-informed care, and crisis parenting, Parish has emerged as a leading voice in this critical sector. She has committed herself to educating and empowering families navigating the often turbulent waters of foster care and adoption, underscoring the need for compassionate support systems.
Parish is also a published author, having written three influential devotional-style books that serve as essential guides for prospective and current foster and adoptive families. Her first book, Ready or Not, released in 2012, prepares families for the challenges they may face as they enter the world of foster care and adoption. In 2015, she followed with Battle-Weary Parents, a work aimed at rejuvenating exhausted caregivers, reminding them of the importance of resilience. Most recently, The Gift, published in 2018, articulates the profound impact that loving families can have on children who are in desperate need of stability and affection.
In her personal life, Parish is married to her high school sweetheart, Steve. Together, they have cultivated a nurturing environment not only for their daughters but also for their growing family, which now includes four sons-in-law and five grandchildren. They reside on a picturesque 45-acre farm situated just outside Atlanta, where they cherish spending time with their animals, tending to their gardens, and enjoying evenings around the fire pit.
Parish’s efforts through Connections Homes exemplify a dedication not only to her own family but to the broader community in need of reform and support within the foster care system. Her work emphasizes the importance of awareness, education, and compassionate care, positioning her as a vital leader in advocating for vulnerable children and families. As she continues her mission, her insights and writings remain invaluable resources in promoting understanding and fostering a more supportive environment for those involved in foster care and adoption.
