The Mason Family

On a mission trip to Kentucky, Heather and Cory Mason met a teenage girl living in a group home named Fel, who changed the course of their lives. "Fel said, 'Let me guess, you want to foster little kids, right? Because no one wants older kids like us,'" Heather recalled. "That's the cold, hard truth. It was a heart-wrenching moment."

The couple, with two young children of their own, had already started foster classes expecting to take in babies and toddlers. Fel's words unraveled that plan, leading the Masons to track her down six months later using nothing but her unique name. Fel was shocked when the Masons returned for her, staying at hotels on weekends near Cincinnati to spend time with her before they were fully licensed on Feb. 14, 2019.

They fostered Fel for the required six months before legally adopting her. "We had to learn how to parent a teenager without going through the natural progression of that age," Heather said. "There's still trauma, but we've gotten to show her love and trust — things she hasn't experienced consistently from one family. She is 18 and never even imagined making it to her 16th birthday."

The Masons also took legal custody of another teenager, Tasha. "We instantly formed a bond. She has such a peaceful spirit and she's so kind. She has worked extremely hard for all the things she's gotten." Tasha and Fel both graduated high school in 2021.

Q & A

How many children have you fostered?

Six kids, beginning Feb. 14, 2019.

Why did you become a foster parent?

In the beginning it was for selfish reasons — I wanted more children. Right after we started, it changed. Now our entire mission is about reunification, and if that's not possible, supporting the kids.

What is the most rewarding part of fostering?

That we see grace in all of it, and love and mercy all over it. There is not one day that hasn't shown a part of that.

What is the most challenging?

Just parenting teenagers in general. You have to parent every child differently.

What is it like to welcome a new member to your family?

We love it, but it is really hard. We treat them exactly like our own children. We don't want to judge them by their file — we want to give them a chance to start new.

What advice would you give to someone considering fostering?

Give the teenagers a shot, for sure. It's scary, but if we don't step up and do it, who's going to?

What had a big impact on you that you didn't expect?

That trauma still runs so deep. I thought adopting them, giving them a home, and loving them would be enough — and it's a reminder that healing takes time.