For Leslie Clements, family has never been defined by blood. That’s why opening her home to children in need felt less like a decision and more like a calling.
She knew children might come and go. That goodbyes were part of the deal. She also knew loving a child who might leave was easier than the thought of a child having nowhere to go.
So, when kids in Pennsylvania needed a place to land, Leslie opened her heart, and her door.
“I always remind myself that these kids didn’t ask for this,” Leslie said. “I’m here to make sure they have what they need while their family gets back on their feet.”
Creating a Family Through Fostering
When 2-year-old Raelynn came into her life, Leslie loved her fully. That love didn’t stop with caring for Raelynn. It extended to caring for her mother, too.
As Raelynn’s mom worked to stabilize her life, Leslie stood beside her. She listened without judgment. She encouraged her through setbacks. She made space for her to show up as Raelynn’s mom in every way she could.
Leslie understood that what was best for Raelynn wasn’t permanence in her home — it was stability until she could return to the mother who loved her deeply.
“I stood side by side with her mom,” Leslie said. “We both wanted the same thing for Raelynn – to go home.”
How CHOY Brings Families Together
With guidance and encouragement from Children’s Home Of York, Leslie and Raelynn’s mom built trust with one another. They worked together through each step of the process. First, through supervised visits, then unsupervised, and eventually, community visits that felt more like family time. There were afternoons at the mall, trick-or-treating in the neighborhood, and shared milestones that gave Raelynn consistency and love in both homes.
After nine months with Leslie, Raelynn’s mom welcomed her daughter back home in the spring of 2023. She had a new job, stable housing, and the confidence she needed to succeed. And she also had something she didn’t want to lose — Leslie.
Six days after bringing her daughter home, Raelynn’s mom’s number popped up on Leslie’s phone.
“She said she didn’t want to take away the love I’d given Raelynn,” Leslie recalled.
Together, they decided to team up as co-parents.
With continued support from CHOY, they built the village Raelynn and her mom needed to thrive.
“Now, Raelynn comes over every other Friday, for holidays, birthdays and she even spends Christmas morning with me,” Leslie said. “She calls both of us ‘Mom.’”
How Many Children Can One Foster Parent Impact?
Leslie has fostered nearly 80 children.
Some stayed briefly. Some stayed longer. A few became family forever. And every child left knowing they were worthy of love.
“You have to lead with your heart, but bring your brain with you,” she said. “You can’t let outsiders deter you. The desire to make a difference has to be there. My heart pumps for this.”
Leslie is currently finalizing the adoption of a 17-year-old who first came to her home through respite care, another reminder that when you show up without conditions, the right ending finds you.
Fostering, Leslie believes, isn’t just about children.
It’s about families.
It truly takes a village, and for Leslie, that village starts with CHOY.
A Village that Keeps on Growing
“CHOY is awesome,” she said. “CHOY is the reason I keep doing this. They’re so supportive and so committed to their families. You can call them anytime, and they always answer.”
By coordinating visits, providing training on trauma and co-parenting, and answering the countless questions that come with raising a child, CHOY gave both Leslie and Raelynn’s mom the tools they needed to thrive.
Together, Leslie and CHOY stand beside parents as they rebuild, offering love without expectations and trusting that care given freely makes room for healing.
That’s why Leslie keeps opening her door, even knowing it might hurt sometimes.
“It’s hard knowing how many kids need help,” she said. “That’s why I can’t give up.”
How Can You Help a Child Through Foster Care?
If you’ve ever felt called to make a difference, there’s a place for you in a child’s village.
Whether through fostering, respite care, or simply spreading the word, you can be part of the support system that changes a child’s story.
Learn more about foster care and reunification through Children’s Home of York:
📧 Htrimmer@choy.org | ☎️ 717-755-1033 | 🌐 childrenshomeofyork.org/foster-care
