Annie and Max’s Fostering Journey

For Annie and Max Nicely, foster parenting is about more than just providing a bed, it is also about building a permanent foundation of love and life skills. The busy family consists of two teen boys in foster care, their adopted 4-year-old granddaughter and two of their biological children, ages 10 and 12. Annie and Max, who also own a custom hot rod shop and an automotive repair business, bring a unique blend of «resilient support» and deep compassion to their roles as foster parents.

The family operates on a core philosophy they call «repair after rupture.» This approach focuses on first ensuring children feel physically and emotionally safe before tackling deeper behavioral or trauma-related issues. Annie describes their teenagers as young people who often carry a deep fear of being abandoned at the first sign of trouble.

«Fostering teenagers requires significant dedication, love and patience,» Annie says. She notes that many people avoid fostering older youth because they fear the challenges, but she and Max feel capable of helping kids that others might turn away.

One of the most distinctive aspects of the household is their focus on preparing older foster youth for the transition to adulthood. They utilize their family business as a training ground, offering apprenticeships to the youth in their care. In the shop, the boys learn more than just how to be mechanics; they learn accountability, personal responsibility, and how to work with the public.

Max advises that «fostering is a big commitment and a lot harder than I thought it would be,» but he emphasizes that the most rewarding part is «knowing the children have a consistent, supportive and loving home.»

Annie and Max are also fierce advocates for keeping sibling groups together. They prioritize sibling placements even when it adds complexity to their household. Annie, who holds a degree in human services, believes that sibling bonds are crucial for a child’s stability. «Keeping siblings together is very important,» she explains, even if they occasionally clash.

Ultimately, the family’s journey shows that fostering is about signing up to be a parent for life, not just for a season. By combining practical skills with a resilient emotional philosophy, they are helping the next generation of youth in foster care navigate the road to a successful future.