When you think of fostering someone, most people will think of young ones or anyone under the age of 18, but that’s not the case for one Greenville, IN family.
Sarah and Troy Rufing, along with their six kids — Hannah (14), Matthew (11), Sophie (10), Sam (7), Catherine (5), and Clover (3) — welcomed three disabled veterans into their home.
Veterans, who for whatever reason, illness or injury, were unable to live on their own or with other family members, but the Rufing family were more than happy to welcome them into their homes and their hearts.
Army Sgt. William Sutton (53), Sgt. Charles Hughes (87), and Army Cpl. Rober Schellenberg (89) now live in a three bedroom wing Troy and Sarah added onto their home.
The parents are caregivers to the veterans, helping them bathe, dress and carry out other daily activities.
The Rufings aren’t the only ones welcoming veterans into their homes. They’re in good company with around 700 participants across 44 states hosting disabled veterans in their homes.
“Veterans living in this type of setting tend to thrive and often have fewer hospitalizations than those who are living alone or in institutional care,” VA program coordinator Lori Paris shares. “This environment really enriches the lives of both the veterans and the remarkable caregivers who accept these veterans into their homes.”
Sarah says she feels blessed to be able to help, stating, “It’s like having your grandparents live with you. We’re one big family.”
(MSN)
