Foster parents honored by agency

COLFAX - Two county residents were honored Sept. 24 for their years of service as foster parents.

The state Department of Children Families and Youth honored Gregg and Mary Baldrige of Pullman on Tuesday, Sept. 25, for their 20 years of foster parenting children and teenagers of Whitman County.

The agency also honored Barb Sheffler, who is retiring after 34 years working for the agency.

"I've held a lot of different roles," Sheffler said. She is a licensed foster parent in Washington.

Supervising for 10 years, she noted that, "Trauma work is hard."

The Baldriges first became licensed in 2002, renewing their license six times after to keep it current until this year.

They have foster parented more than 66 youth, some including placements that had stayed with them before.

In addition to their biological children, the Baldriges officially adopted two children, plus one that they consider their own though it is not written on paper.

This will be the first fall since 1987 that Mrs Baldrige hasn't had to buy any school supplies, she said, noting it is different not having a child with them most of this summer.

Mr. Baldridge retired about three years ago, and Mrs. Baldridge plans to retire in February of 2023.

"To have people like this is amazing. It's tough to do what they did," said Regional Administrator of Region Number 1, Jeff Kincaid, "We're sorry to see them go, but so happy for them."

Sheffler and her husband have eight of their own children, and have adopted seven special needs children.

"We now have 15 kids and 15 grandkids," she said. "My husband worked away from home, so the siblings stepped up and took care of one another."

Their youngest recently left for college.

"Whitman County is in need of more foster homes, and we encourage everyone who is interested to call us here at 509-397-5040," agency Placement Coordinator Carla Hall said.