University of Colorado at Boulder faculty and staff are helping to make a difference in the lives of more than 250 children in Boulder County. Several families from the CU faculty and staff community have responded to the dire need for foster parents.

Professor Elizabeth Dunn sits on the steps inside the Guggenheim Geography Building with her foster child. Photo by Patrick Kelley, CU-Boulder Photography Office

“The families from the university have made amazing contributions,” said Cathie Jessen-Ward of Boulder County Social Services.

Elizabeth Dunn, an assistant professor of geography and international affairs, provided respite care afternoons and weekends for one and a half years and chose to become a fulltime foster parent in 2003. Dunn describes caring for children as the most meaningful thing she"s done in her life.

“My academic life is about making a difference, but this makes an immediate difference locally. My foster son is able to thrive because of me,” she said.

Paul Beckingham, a research associate in the JILA department, described the same sense of fulfillment.

“Every time you see the difference you make it"s like, ‘Wow! This child has been brought back to life",” he said. Beckingham, who with his wife has fostered for 30 years, credits their ability to provide care to the flexibility of both their schedules.

For those interested in foster care, orientation meetings with Boulder County Social Services are held twice a week and are the first step to becoming a foster parent. For more information on these meetings contact Cindy Mollica at 303-441-1089.

For more information on foster care or adoption, contact Boulder County Social Services at 303-441-1000 or visit the Web site at www.changealifeforever.org.