News & Stories

June is a month that we celebrate dads – and it is also when we celebrate family reunification. And at Spaulding, we know how important fathers are to families. Did you know that according to the U.S. Census Bureau, 18.2 million children,  or one in four, live without a biological, step, or adoptive father in the [...]

For Deborah Peay Wilson, growing up in the foster care system changed her in ways that were both painful and transformative. Deborah, who has been a member of the Spaulding for Children Board of Directors since 2022, says her experience was multilayered. She first experienced a long-term foster placement that eventually led to adoption by [...]

In the summer of 2024, Nicole Cicchetti’s life changed in a way she didn’t expect when she became a foster mom to a family friend’s child. Nicole’s friend had a child who was being removed by CPS and when she learned what was happening, the decision to step in was immediate. Nicole has been a [...]

Lanay Neff always loved children; but she wasn’t sure she wanted kids of her own. However, when she learned her sister had a newborn and that child was in the system, she knew she had to act. Lanay, adopted by her cousin when she was four, understands the importance of kinship care from a [...]

From an early age, Melinda Lis – who works as the Vice President of the Academy for Spaulding for Children – knew she not only wanted to work in child welfare but adopt children from the system as well. And she did – with a long career and three adopted boys (and two biological [...]

Spaulding CEO, Melissa Jenovai, spent time with CBS Detroit sharing about our mission and impactful work as part of Kinship Care Month. Each September, and throughout the years, we honor and celebrate the love and care provided by kinship caregivers.

June is National Reunification Month—a time dedicated to recognizing the vital work of reuniting children with their families. At Spaulding for Children, these stories of resilience, love, and renewed hope are at the heart of everything we do. They remind us why our mission matters so deeply. One story that shines brightly is Brianna [...]

John and Kirstin Nickel decided to become foster parents after learning of a brother and sister who needed a home. Kirsten, at the time, was a special education teacher and John, an attorney, was on board. They went through the classes and by the time they finished training with Spaulding for Children, that boy [...]

What’s It Like to Work at Spaulding for Children? Every member of our team believes that the work we do is important. And everyone at Spaulding also knows the work can be challenging. Spaulding currently has 48 staff members and, in an industry with very high turnover, we are especially proud of our 80% [...]