This month, we are spotlighting Layne Hedden, a tireless advocate for foster children and a valued partner in our mission to protect and support all children in our community.
As the Foster Parent Recruiter and Mentor for Medina County JFS, Layne educates the community about foster care and adoption, guides families through the licensing process, and supports them once they’ve opened their homes. As a foster parent, Layne brings lived experience, compassion, and dedication to everything she does.
Each year, Layne leads the Holiday Toy Drive to ensure that every child in Medina County Foster Care — on average 140 each month — feels the embrace of the community through gifts for the holidays, including a cozy pair of pajamas through the partnership with The Children’s Center. She’s also a familiar face at the annual Community Pinwheel Walk, where she encourages people to learn about and consider stepping into the valuable role of Foster Parent. This Spring, she spoke about the powerful role the community plays in supporting children.
What stands out most about Layne is her unwavering belief in the strength of community and the power of hope. Whether advocating for foster families, cheering on her kids, or encouraging others to get involved, Layne brings heart, humility, and a genuine love for helping others.
We are grateful for Layne’s partnership and commitment to making Medina County a place where every child feels safe, supported, and seen.
We asked Layne to share a little more about herself so we could all get to know her better.
Roles and Responsibilities
How did you learn about The Children’s Center of Medina County? How did you first become involved with The Center?
As a licensed foster parent with Medina County Job and Family Services, I first learned about The Children’s Center when weekly family visitation for our foster son was scheduled there. I had never been inside, but after a few visits, I was offered a tour. I remember feeling amazed and grateful that there was such a beautiful space completely focused on protecting and advocating for vulnerable children. The whole building is so warm and welcoming, and the various spaces are so thoughtful for meeting the needs of kids and families.
What is your current role? What do you do in that role?
I am the Foster Parent Recruiter and Mentor for Medina County Job and Family Services. I work with the agency to promote community education about our foster care and adoption program and actively recruit to license additional foster homes to help meet the need in Medina County. I help families through the licensing process and continue to provide support for families after they are licensed.
I am also a licensed foster parent with Medina County Job and Family Services. My husband, 3 sons, and I have been fostering for almost 9 years. Essentially, we love fostering and working with MCJFS, so I am able to tell people about our experiences and encourage them to consider stepping into this valuable role of foster parent.
Personal Insights and Reflections
What are you most proud of in your work with The Children’s Center?
I am proud of the community relationships and support that The Children’s Center has worked hard to build. I am grateful they are always excited to extend that support to our foster care program and agency. I am proud of our partnership and how we use each other’s strengths and resources to work together to help kids.
What is the best compliment you have ever received?
The best compliments I receive are when people compliment my biological and foster children. As parents, we try to provide enough love, security, and guidance so that our kids have the confidence to be independent, successful, and let their true selves shine. When someone sees my kids succeeding – even in small ways – that means I’m doing my job as a parent and that’s the highest compliment I can receive!
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was a kid, I just wanted to be a mom. I played with my baby dolls all the time and pretended they were real babies I had to take care of. I wanted to have a lot of kids, so I guess in a way I got my wish! I also wanted to be a librarian, but I wouldn’t have been very successful since I’d probably just be tucked in a corner reading a book all the time.
What is your favorite way to unwind after a busy day?
My favorite way to unwind after a busy day or on the weekend is reading, doing a puzzle, baking, walking/hiking, or just spending time with my family.
What season is your favorite?
I typically say summer is my favorite season, but I think I like spring just a little bit better because it holds the promise of summer. It’s the time of year when we’re finally coming out of the grey of winter and starting to see brighter days and all the colors of blooming flowers and trees. Hope is such a powerful thing, and spring represents hope to me.
Community Engagement and Support
What does the community need to know about The Children’s Center?
The Children’s Center is an amazing resource and support for kids and families in Medina County. If someone is looking to get more involved with helping kids in our community, The Children’s Center is a great place to start! If they don’t have an immediate need that fits what you are looking to offer, they work so hard to help connect you to the right place. Our community is very fortunate to have such an active and committed resource in The Children’s Center.
