Lori and Larry Avitabile's home grew quiet after two of their three grown boys moved out. They had discussed the possibility of becoming foster parents when their kids were younger, but didn't pursue it amid the busy pace of their personal and professional lives. They realized they both still had so much more love to give and clearly had the desire to once again open their home and hearts. Seeking guidance, they attended a Wheeler information session last year and three months later welcomed a young teen boy into their home.
The process of getting to know their foster son started with nights out for pizza, weekend visits and eventually long-term placement. The couple also bought a fish tank as a way to engage their new foster son in a family activity.
"We purchased the fish tank because we wanted to build a relationship with our son," said Larry. "The tank gave us all something to rally around. We went to the store together and had him pick out and name the fish. We started with one clown fish, and our collection now includes a dog fish, purple lobster, miniature crabs, snails and many other forms of sea life," he added.
The family is growing and evolving as well. The Avitabiles enrolled their young teen in town basketball and baseball leagues, and they are ardent supporters of his academic progress, beaming at the recent news of his honor roll achievement. An older teen boy has also joined their household, and the couple looks forward to building and strengthening this new bond as wel
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Lori says their new road has had some unpredictable twists, and they appreciate the strong guidance they received from the Wheeler team. "We've had a great experience with Wheeler. They are very positive and supportive," she explains. "I can't think of a time when we haven't gotten a prompt response or valuable support to help us problem solve."
The Avitabiles are particularly gratified by the strides their young teen has made since coming to their home, and they are grateful to Wheeler for helping them make progress. "I feel such a sense of pride knowing how far our foster son has come since he's been here," said Lori. "There are other wonderful things, too, like the surprise bear hugs the boys give my husband, for no other reason than 'just because.' "
Wheeler Clinic would like to recognize the Avitabiles family for their posistive contribution to the Wheeler Clinic Foster Care Program and congratulate them as the June "Star of the Month."
Penny Kobles, Foster Care Programs
Recruitment/Retention Coordinator
Wheeler Clinic
