Lauren Matthewson-Woolard, founder of Bella’s Blessing, a foster home, puts her heart and soul into caring for every baby who comes through her doors. The home caters specifically for children with physical disabilities and special needs, and it also provides care for premature babies.

Matthewson-Woolard explained that she stumbled into foster care as a little girl – and later, as a teacher. “I always dreamed of making a real difference in the lives of children who needed to feel safe, warm and deeply loved.” That moment came unexpectedly when a child in her class had been abandoned and urgently needed a safe place to go. Without hesitation, she asked to be considered.

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“I knew that, because of her physical disability, she was especially vulnerable, and I couldn’t bear the thought of her being lost in the system. Just a few hours later, she was placed in my care, and I brought her home. It was the beginning of something profoundly meaningful – both for her and for me.”

She recalled those first days as unexpected and chaotic, as she had not planned on having another child at that time.

“She arrived with nothing but the clothes she was wearing, and we were totally unprepared. We were lucky that she was already in my class, which helped ease some of the anxiety we both might have felt. She knew she was in a safe place and with a person familiar to her. That night marked the start of the most beautiful love story – one I never saw coming but now can’t imagine life without.”

Despite the challenges that come with running a foster home, Matthewson-Woolard said the love and comfort of knowing she has done everything to help little ones feel safe, cherished and loved is what keeps her going.

“There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing their smiles, hearing their giggles and watching them grow and thrive in ways we never imagined possible. One of our babies arrived with a difficult prognosis. Doctors told us not to expect much – that she may never walk or even smile. But today, she’s running, laughing, talking and lighting up every room she enters. I truly believe it’s all because of the love, the constant cuddles and the gentle reassurance that she was never alone.”

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Fostering has drastically changed the way she views family and love. For her, family means everything. Each of the children is loved wholeheartedly and unconditionally, and no matter how long they stay, they are always part of her family.

“Family isn’t always defined by genetics or bloodlines. Our children in long-term care have come to understand, through many gentle and honest conversations, that they were born in my heart. I am their ‘heart mommy.’ When they feel ready, we talk about their biological mothers, and we do our best to answer their questions with care and truth.”

She added that these conversations aren’t always easy, but they are important. “We do everything we can to help our children feel a sense of identity and connection, even if they have little or no contact with their biological families. Love, honesty and belonging are at the centre of everything we do.”

With a full house and more than one foster child to care for, support is essential for the home. The cost of living continues to rise, and while she remains committed to the promises made to her children, there are times when the strain is real.

She said her greatest fear is having to turn someone away or not being able to follow through on the care and support they have promised.

“Every act of kindness matters so much. Something as simple as a pack of wet wipes or a bag of groceries means the world to us. We can’t do this alone – we’ve never been able to. Medical costs for our special needs children are incredibly high. We’ve been fortunate to receive help from some generous doctors who’ve given their time freely, but there are still ongoing needs – like dental care, therapy and schooling – that can’t be overlooked.”

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