They Have Hosted Over 20 Kids—But 1 Child Stands Out

Taylor* didn’t want to have her 6-month-old daughter, Jessa*, hosted. She couldn’t imagine trusting a complete stranger with her precious baby.

But Taylor was working nights, caring for her 7 and 8-year-old children, and trying to pacify Jessa, who was extremely colicky. 

So Taylor hesitantly agreed to a hosting. 

That was two years ago.

Today, John and Stephanie Huss and their children are Taylor’s most trusted friends. 

The Huss family welcomed baby Jessa into their family with open arms.  “We were so excited to have Jessa in our home,” Stephanie reflected. 

John and Stephanie viewed hosting as not only an opportunity to serve families in need, but a chance to serve their own children as well by providing them with an opportunity to love others.

For nearly a year, Jessa would spend a weekend every four to six weeks with the Huss family. 

But these hostings weren’t just about providing care for Jessa—they were about showing Taylor that she had people who were there for her. Stephanie has intentionally built a friendship with Taylor and has become one of Taylor’s most trusted friends.

When Taylor needed to move last spring, Jessa went and stayed with the Huss family for a week. When Taylor had surgery and was unable to lift Jessa during recovery, the Huss family hosted Jessa. 

Taylor shared with her TFG case manager that no matter what, Stephanie shows up for her and Jessa, rearranging plans to pick Jessa up and support Taylor whenever she needs it.

“One of the things our family has loved is that Jessa feels comfortable in our home and with every one of the members of our family,” Stephanie said. “As she is growing into a toddler, she’s begun saying our names and playing silly games. Hearing her say, “I love you” [to our daughters] is so precious.”

“Our lives are much richer for having Jessa in our home. We have continued to host other children on an emergency basis—over 20 children now. We have loved them all, but the bond we have with Jessa and her family is very special.”

Taylor came to Together for Good overwhelmed and uncertain about the future. Two years later, she is supported, and both she and her daughter are thriving.

*Names changed to protect identity.