Love and Courtship

The month of February brings thoughts of Valentine's Day, love, romance and courtship. But the legendary Saint Valentine was also known for devotion. Love and devotion are the bedrock of a Pinal County family of nine; parents Matt and Catherine, and their seven children, four of whom have special needs and are members of the DES Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), and one child who is in the Arizona Early Intervention Program (AzEIP). This special family includes three biological children, three adopted children, and one soon-to-be-adopted foster child. "This family is so full of love," said DDD Support Coordinator Colette Lofgren.

Catherine, who was adopted out of the foster care system herself, has a twin brother who was born with developmental delays. Her past experiences enable her to better understand the needs of foster children, as well as those who have developmental disabilities. She acknowledges that it takes patience and can be emotionally exhausting. "The children have gone through so much," said Catherine, "and they have special needs, [too]."

Children who have experienced past trauma need time to feel at home with a new family. Initially, it can be difficult to connect with someone you don't know and who doesn't know you. While it can be "emotionally exhausting," Catherine believes "it is the most life-giving thing that you can do – giving [a home to] someone who doesn't have a home, and really loving them."

Colette, who was a former Department of Child Safety (DCS) investigator, acknowledges the hurdles the family has overcome and how Catherine and Matt continue to "persevere" in the best interest of their children.

The family has gone through numerous challenges and steps to overcome those challenges. The latest issue concerns therapies. The need for school-based therapists is outpacing the ever-expanding population of Pinal County, and the kids' Individualized Education Plan (IEP) allows for only 30 minutes of therapy per quarter.  At this point, the family is considering its options, such as applying for an Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) to enroll the kids in a charter school or, stay within the public school system and advocate for a new IEP that provides additional in-school therapies.

Despite all the challenges of dealing with the foster care, school, and court systems, these parents never lose sight of what's important: their children's growth and health. For example, the seven-year-old, who was born with cerebral palsy, then had a near-drowning at age four, has the most physical challenges. Yet her progress has been impressive. "She blows me away," said Matt. "She just keeps defying the odds. It's pretty awesome."

Ranging in age from 3 to 10 under one roof, "There's always something new," said Catherine. "It's never boring."

"Our kids give us so much life," said Catherine. "It's been really rewarding to see how much they've grown! I feel very lucky." And definitely loved!