ND Foster Parents of the Year

On October 4, 2013, Jim and Shirley Hooge were recognized at the North Dakota Foster & Adoptive Parent Conference as the 2013 ND Foster Parents of the Year.  Jim and Shirley have been foster parents for well over 20 years.  They were initially licensed as county foster parents with Cavalier County Social Services and in 1994 they transitioned to becoming therapeutic foster parents through PATH.  They have served well over 50 children in their home over the years; both in long term and short term foster care placements.

Jim and Shirley were nominated for this award by fellow foster parents with full support of this nomination by their local PATH social workers.  They have been described as understanding, supportive and nonjudgmental people to the children they serve as well as to the biological and foster families they mentor. They work well with the agencies, therapists, school personal, and other partnering agencies that are involved with the many children who have been placed in their home. 

Several years ago they transitioned into providing PATH Transition and Assessment Programming (TAP) services in the Lake Region area.  They provide a structured home that allows children to explore the boundaries and the consequences that are set while living in a safe and nurturing environment.   The TAP services they provide are well sought after and the PATH NE Regional Supervisor receives many calls from other regions requesting utilization of their home.  This is because of the reputation the Hooge’s have built for providing such high quality services to children and families.  

Jim and Shirley live and farm in the Munich area and are the proud parents of five children.  Shirley is also a registered nurse and is employed by a local nursing facility.  Jim is a member of the EMS in the Munich area.  Both Jim and Shirley have been active in the North Dakota Foster Adoptive Parent Association for several years, with Jim holding various offices within that organization, including his current role as President.  Shirley is currently a PATH regional representative for her foster parent unit and Jim has been active on the PATH Board over the years.

The Hooge’s are truly an inspiration for the children and families in need of care.  They have a heart of gold and are willing to go the extra mile when it comes to servicing children.  As both foster and adoptive parents, they have gained a wealth of knowledge to support families in need.