LITTLE ROCK, AR – The Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS) hosted their annual Foster Family of the Year Gala Thursday night at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts.
At the end of the night, Teddy and Luz Garcia of Rogers were named the state’s 2025 Foster Family of the Year.
Held in conjunction with National Foster Care Month, DCFS recognized ten outstanding foster families—one from each of their service areas—for their unwavering commitment to children and families.
The event included a special message from Governor Sanders, who congratulated all the winners and expressed her appreciation for foster families.
“Foster families provide more than a home—they offer love, structure, and hope,” she said. “Their generosity and compassion give children the chance to dream big, grow strong, and thrive.”
Currently, there are approximately 3,400 children in foster care in Arkansas. Each year, caseworkers, child advocates, and fellow foster parents nominate families who go above and beyond to support vulnerable children and families.
“Foster families are everyday heroes,” said DHS Secretary Kristi Putnam. “They are the backbone of our child welfare system, and we are deeply grateful for their partnership and dedication.”
The Garcia’s journey into foster care began five years ago when two of their relatives entered the foster care system. What started as a temporary opportunity to care for their family members has grown into a beautifully blended family.
“The Garcias embody every quality that we hope for in a foster family,” said DCFS Director Tiffany Wright. “They’ve done it all – emergency placements, short- and long-term placements, adoption, and they even serve as Independent Living Sponsors for a teenager. Their journey is a powerful reminder of the difference one family can make, and it’s truly our honor to recognize them as our 2025 Foster Family of the Year.”
In addition to the Garcias, the following families were honored as the 2025 Arkansas Foster Family of the Year for their area:
- Lori Cooper (Fort Smith)
- Israel and Adriana Villaloz (Hot Springs)
- Matt and Laura Smith (Texarkana)
- Calvin and Hailey Manion (Conway)
- David and June Simpson (North Little Rock)
- Pamela Thomas-Nelson (Pine Bluff)
- Joey and Jessica Patten (Mammoth Spring)
- David and Kristian Ingle (Beebe)
- Justin and Brandy Morphis (Monticello)
To learn more about these families, visit ar.gov/FFOY. To learn more about becoming a foster parent, visit www.everychildarkansas.org.
