AFTER 11 years of opening her home to foster kids, a 24-hour revamp was exactly what Kerry needed.
Kerry, who did not want her surname printed, was one of 10 western suburbs carers who received a house makeover thanks to the Foster Care Association of Victoria and L’Oreal.
The Kurunjang resident cares for a 15-year-old foster son. The Salvation Army carer also provides emergency care for children and youth who need short-term help.
Renovators painted her son’s bedroom and handed over a new doona cover. To Kerry’s surprise, they also completed makeovers of the front and backyards.
“It was a lovely surprise,” she says. “It’s something that would have taken me months to do and they’ve done it in one day. My son had no idea what was going on. He got home in the afternoon and they took him to his room and his eyes popped and he said ‘wow’.”
Kerry estimates about 150 young people have stayed at her house.
She became involved after learning there was an urgent need for carers.
“My husband and I had divorced and my biological children were all grown up and I still had a lot of love to give,” she says. “My daughter’s friend was doing drug and alcohol training and she mentioned about foster caring. Usually I go away and think about that sort of stuff, but I just went in and did it and I don’t regret it.
I’ve met some wonderful kids and beautiful people. I’d love to be told I wasn’t necessary . . . but the demand is getting higher and higher.”
Details: Salvation Army Melton 9747 8310.
