(LITTLE ROCK, Ark.) — The Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS) hosted its annual Foster Family of the Year Gala Thursday night at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts.

At the end of the night, Mary Thornton of Marianna was named Arkansas’ 2026 Foster Family of the Year. 

Held in conjunction with National Foster Care Month, the gala recognized ten outstanding foster families—one from each of DCFS’ geographic service areas—for their unwavering commitment to children and families.

[Photos from the event are available by clicking here, and video profiles of each winner are available at ar.gov/FFOY]

Governor Sanders expressed her appreciation for foster families. “The commitment foster families make to protect Arkansas’ most vulnerable, strengthen families, and offer kids safe and loving homes is remarkable and selfless,” she said. “They are the real heroes of Arkansas and I’m incredibly grateful for everything they do.”

Currently, there are approximately 3,400 children in foster care in Arkansas. Each year, family service workers, child advocates, and fellow foster parents nominate families who go above and beyond to support those vulnerable children and their families.

“Foster parents are the backbone of our human services system,” said DHS Secretary Janet Mann. “They provide the stability and safety every child deserves. Their willingness to open their hearts and homes represents the highest form of service. We are profoundly grateful for their partnership in building a future where every child can thrive.”

Ms. Thornton, a therapeutic foster parent, has been caring for some of Arkansas’ most vulnerable children and youth for the past 32 years. She specializes in teenagers—often the ones labeled as having challenging behaviors. But Ms. Thornton sees potential. She sees possibility. And she sees children worth fighting for.

DCFS Director Tiffany Wright added, “It is a privilege to honor a caregiver whose dedication spans more than three decades. For 32 years, Ms. Thornton has cared for teenagers and children in the most challenging of circumstances. Her tireless commitment has changed the trajectory of countless lives, and we are honored to call her our Foster Family of the Year for 2026.”

“I just believe in giving the kids a chance,” Ms. Thornton said. “If you show them that you really love them, and you help them learn from their mistakes, eventually they become the kids they were destined to be. I’m just happy that I am able to do something to help them find their way.”

Including Ms. Thornton, the following families were honored as 2026 Arkansas Foster Families of the Year for their area:

•    Area 1 – Dylan and Kerri Adams (Fayetteville)
•    Area 2 – Luke and Rebekah Dye (Fort Smith)
•    Area 3 – Stacy Hearnsberger (Hot Springs)
•    Area 4 – Barbara Jetton (Ashdown)
•    Area 5 – Jeff and Dee Tipton (Harrison)
•    Area 6 – Caleb and Kelsey Phillips (Little Rock) 
•    Area 7 – Jon and Heather Smith (Lonoke)
•    Area 8 – Kevin and Amy Grissom (Ash Flat)
•    Area 9 – Ashlie Everett (Prim)
•    Area 10 – Mary Thornton (Mariannna)

To learn more about these families, visit ar.gov/FFOY. To learn more about becoming a foster parent, visit www.everychildarkansas.org. 

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