Special Foster Care Connection

SISTERS, Ore. - Sometimes we take the little things for granted.  Spending a windy afternoon in a rocking chair, ripping and shredding sheets, doesn't seem like a big deal.  But to Donna Spreeman, untangling the stringy mess is everything.

"She taught me that," says Donna.  

The tattered and torn bedding will be used to make rugs and donated to a worthy cause.  However, this is more than charity.  This is about getting to the fabric of her life.

Donna will do anything to be near Jane Utzinger.  Jane is Donna's foster care provider.  It was a connection made with the help of Deschutes County's Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Program or IDD.  Their story goes back more than a dozen years.  That connection is special. 

"I like it here," says Donna.  "Jane takes care of me."

Four years ago, Donna - who has Down Syndrome - lost her older sister, Gina.  It was a critical moment.  One that's still very much on the surface today.

"I can't stop crying," says Donna.  "Gina told me I gotta be strong."

That's when something beautiful blossomed out of the sadness.  Jane said, "It was at Gina's service where the family was there.  I had an interview basically at the service.  They did grill me, but they wanted to make sure Donna was going to be in a good place."

Jane took Donna into her home.  Donna's bedroom is now covered in photos of, not one, but two families.  With a sparkle in her eye, Donna gladly will show you photos of her siblings.  She also shows photos of her foster family which has grown into her own.  Donna sys Jane reminds her of her own mom.

"I just love the fact with Donna I reminded her of her mother.  Almost 13 years ago she told me that and that just made me melt.  Just the way she said it and she'll still tell me that now too.  She keeps telling me that and it still makes me melt.  And it just feels really good," says Jane.

That's why Jane made the difficult decision to become Jane's foster care provider.  It was a decision she didn't take lightly, but one she wouldn't change for the world.

"It's nice to see them grow," Jane says.  "Donna has grown quite a bit being here and I try to get her to do things on her own and if she needs help, I'll step in.  Or if I'm in a hurry."

Jane has a long history of helping others.  She has helped at youth camps and other care facilities.  Her advice to anyone considering a foster care committment: it's worth it.

"You have to have a passion and I just wanted to make a difference.  It's definitely worth it."