Posted: 2/11/2025

Foster Family Spotlight: Sandoval Family

Meet Eli and Bradley Sandoval, a newly licensed foster family making an incredible difference! Their first foster placement has been nothing short of amazing, and now they’re on the path to adoption for 11-year-old J, a resilient young boy who has finally found the love and stability he deserves. From day one, Eli and Bradley have been unwavering in their dedication—advocating for J's education, ensuring he receives the services he needs, and most importantly, creating a safe and nurturing home where he can heal and thrive. 

So, what inspired you to foster?

"Brad and I have always had a strong desire to make a positive impact in the lives of others, and fostering felt like a natural extension of that. We’ve been blessed with a loving home, a stable life, and the ability to provide a child with the care and support they deserve. What truly inspired us was the realization that so many children in the foster system need not just a place to stay, but a family that will love, guide, and believe in them. We wanted to be that family. The idea of being able to provide a child with a safe, nurturing environment where they can heal, grow, and thrive resonated deeply with us.

We also knew that fostering could lead to adoption, and as we considered growing our family, we felt strongly that we wanted to give a child in need a permanent, loving home. Every child deserves stability, encouragement, and the opportunity to reach their full potential, and we wanted to be part of that journey. At the heart of it, our inspiration comes from wanting to make a meaningful difference—whether by offering temporary care or welcoming a child into our family forever. Fostering is more than just opening our home; it’s opening our hearts to the possibility of changing a child’s life for the better."

What's an impactful moment you've had while fostering?

"Fostering has been an incredibly rewarding journey, filled with moments that have touched our hearts and reinforced why we chose this path. One of the most impactful experiences has been watching our foster son, Jeremiah, grow not just emotionally but academically.

When J first came to us, he was hesitant about school, and reading wasn’t something he particularly enjoyed. Brad and I made it a priority to support him in his education, and one way we did that was by reading together every night before bedtime. What started as a simple routine quickly turned into something so much more—it became a special bonding time, a way for him to unwind, and most importantly, a way to help him discover the joy of books.

As the weeks passed, we saw his confidence grow. His curiosity expanded beyond the stories we read, and he began to take an active interest in learning. The most rewarding part has been watching his grades improve, seeing him take pride in his achievements, and hearing him excitedly share what he learned at school. Those small, everyday moments—watching him pick out books, asking thoughtful questions, and seeing that spark in his eyes—are some of the most memorable parts of this journey.

Beyond academics, fostering has been about providing a sense of stability and encouragement. Seeing J open up, trust us, and embrace new experiences has been a reminder that love, patience, and consistency can truly change a child’s life"

Advice you’d share with others who might be considering fostering?

Fostering is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have, but it’s also a journey that requires patience, commitment, and an open heart. If you’re considering becoming a foster parent, here are a few key pieces of advice that we’ve learned along the way:

• Lead with Love and Patience – Every child in foster care has a unique story, and many have faced challenges that no child should have to endure. They need time to adjust, heal, and trust. Patience, consistency, and unconditional love will go a long way in helping them feel safe and secure.

• Be Ready to Adapt – No two days are the same in fostering. There will be joyful moments, tough days, and unexpected challenges, but flexibility is key. Learning to adapt to the child’s needs and emotions will make a world of difference in building a strong connection.
• Support Their Growth, Academically and Emotionally – One of the most rewarding parts of fostering has been watching our foster son, Jeremiah, grow in confidence—especially with his education. We made it a priority to support him academically, reading with him every night before bed and encouraging his curiosity. Seeing his grades improve and his love for learning develop has been incredible. A child may come into your home with academic struggles, but with the right support and encouragement, they can thrive.
• Use Your Support System – Fostering is a team effort. Lean on other foster parents, case workers, and community resources when needed. It’s okay to ask for help, and having a strong support system makes a huge difference.
• Understand That Every Child Needs Stability, Not Perfection – You don’t have to be the perfect parent to be a great foster parent. What matters most is providing a stable, loving environment where a child feels valued, supported, and safe.
• Know That You Can Change a Life – Fostering is not just about opening your home—it’s about opening your heart. Whether a child is with you for a short time or forever, your impact can last a lifetime. You have the opportunity to be the person who believes in them, encourages them, and gives them a sense of belonging they may have never had before.

If fostering is on your heart, take that next step. It will challenge you, but it will also be one of the most meaningful and life-changing experiences you’ll ever have.

Interested in becoming a foster parent? Call 863-519-8900 x 289 or visit https://heartlandforchildren.org/foster to learn more!