Meet Deborah and Lester

When Deborah and Lester Yoke became foster parents in 2006 they knew their 60-acre property nestled along the Navajo River would be the perfect place for children. Currently, six children and youth in foster care and a former foster youth, all of whom are members of the Navajo Nation, live with the Yokes. Deborah and Lester are not Native American, so they learn from the children and youth in their care and also ensure that the young people have Native American mentors to learn from. The family and their agency use the reclaiming model, which is rooted in the Circle of Courage concept from Native American cultures, that encourages raising children by building on four key strengths: belonging, mastery, independence and generosity.