From Building Projects to Building Families

When Hampton Enterprises Superintendent Mike Stokes was assigned to work on a remodel project for a local nonprofit in the early 1990s, it was just another day on the job. But what Mike didn’t realize at that time was that the nonprofit, CEDARS, would come to play an important role in his family’s life. 

In 2009, Mike and his wife, Kim, were a couple of empty nesters vacationing at the beach. As they dug their toes into the sand, they received a call asking them to become foster parents to two teenagers, a brother and sister. 

“We originally were not looking to foster, but these kids were going to be separated into two foster homes,” Kim shared. “We picked them up as soon as we returned from the airport.” 

Mike and Kim were anxious to take on this new role. It proved to be challenging and, in the beginning, seemed scary at times. However, after being introduced to CEDARS Foster Care Specialist Pete Dennis, they both gained more confidence in their new roles as foster parents. 

“Pete was a godsend and helped us navigate through difficult times. We learned so much from his own life experiences as a foster parent,” Kim said. “Pete would come over anytime, day or night, when asked to help us sort things out, and he provided incredible mentoring for the kids in our care. For those who have raised teenagers, you know life can present you with unexpected twists and turns. Pete helped us navigate those challenges throughout our entire experience.” 

Though there are many fond memories from their time as foster parents, the Stokes’ favorite moment occurred one Christmas Day when Pete showed up at their door with arms full of wrapped gifts. Through CEDARS Adopt-a-Family holiday program, he had selected presents very specific to what each of the teenagers wanted. Along with the kids, Mike and Kim were overjoyed, and now donate items to the program every holiday season to support other families like their own. 

“We loved having Pete in our family,” Mike shared. “It was so relieving to have him as our co-pilot.” 

Mike and Kim have never looked back or regretted the decision they made that day on the beach. 

Though fostering was not originally in their life plans, they quickly fell in love with their newly formed family. 

“It’s been amazing to be there for birthdays, holidays, proms, vacations, graduations, and other milestones. And in addition to the good days, we’ve been there for the not-so-good days,” said Kim. “We’ve helped teach them the values of honesty and integrity, how to manage feelings, and even work ethic. In fact, our youngest began a car detailing business at age 12 – and Pete was one of his first customers.” 

Even though Mike and Kim are no longer foster parents, they are still connected to the CEDARS organization! Mike leads the Hampton Enterprises crew building Carriage House, which will soon allow us to help even more youth in our community. As an expansion of CEDARS Emergency Shelter, the program will offer intensive, wraparound care for up to 24 pregnant and parenting teens each year. 

“I appreciate Hampton assigning me the CEDARS Carriage House as my last project before retirement,” said Mike. “In the future, the Carriage House will help build stronger families for generations by teaching teens how to take care of the day-to-day responsibilities of life. This is a great resource for the Lincoln area and surrounding communities, and it makes me proud to be part of it.” 

Thank you, Mike and Kim, for your leadership, your open hearts, and your dedication to the mission of CEDARS.