A Full Circle Moment for the Olson Family
The Olson Family says they now feel “complete” after adopting their fourth child in May of 2026.
“We’re feeling lots of excitement, gratefulness, and appreciation,” says McKenna Olson. “We now get to be alongside these amazing kids’ journeys for the rest of our lives.”
McKenna and her wife Celia became foster parents with Wellpoint Care Network (at the time SaintA) eight years ago.
“Celia and I always knew we really wanted to start a family,” she adds. “So we got married and then immediately after we said, ‘Hey, let’s become foster parents.’ And we wanted to do that because there are so many kids out there that need safe and supportive homes. So we didn’t know if our journey would just be fostering or eventually adoption, but we just wanted to be there for kids who needed that extra support.”
Over that time, the Olsons fostered 10 children and adopted four of them. Now, after eight years, they’ve made the decision to close this chapter of their foster care journey.
“We’ve always been very intentional about our next steps and our capacity, so we know the time is right but it’s certainly still bittersweet,” says McKenna. “I’m going to miss saying that I’m a foster parent. That has been a huge part of our identity for eight years now, and it’s truly shaped who we are as people.”
The Olsons say they are appreciative to have had Wellpoint Care Network alongside them every step of the way.
“Wellpoint Care Network has been super supportive since day one,” says McKenna. “Everyone who works there, you can just tell they truly care about the families they serve. The Trauma Informed Care training is also so unique compared to other agencies. From the start, that focus on the kids and their trauma really prepped us for situations that come up — both big and small. We’ve been able to take a step back when situations arise and say, ‘Why is this happening?’ and ‘What’s the best way to address this?’ That trauma-informed lens really sets foster parents up for success because they’re able to meet the kids where they’re at.”
That support they received meant so much to their family that when the Olsons host an adoption celebration this June, they have asked guests to make a donation to Wellpoint Care in lieu of gifts.
“The organization has had such a meaningful impact in our life,” says McKenna. “We got to interact with 10 kiddos, four for the rest of our life. That’s our family. And so, we wanted to say thank you for making a difference in our life.”
“It feels full circle,” adds Celia. “It’s like we’re coming to a close at the end of this journey, and this was just the perfect way to give back.”
As they reflect on their fostering journey, the Olsons hope to encourage others who may be considering becoming foster parents.
“So many people say ‘I don’t think I can do what you do.’ But yes, you can,” says McKenna. “If you are a human being who cares about other human beings, then you can. If you can provide love to a child and you can support a family, then you can be a foster parent.”
“It’s going to be one of the hardest things you’ll ever do,” adds Celia. “But it will also be one of the most rewarding.”
Interested in becoming a foster parent or supporting families like the Olsons? Take the first step by attending an informational session or make a donation today to help children and families thrive.
