LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS) hosted its annual Foster Family of the Year Gala Thursday night at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts.
At the end of the night, Teddy and Luz Garcia of Rogers were named the state’s 2025 Foster Family of the Year.
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DCFS officials said the Garcias became foster parents five years ago when two of their relatives entered the foster care system. They said what was initially a temporary opportunity to care for family members has grown into a blended family.
Also at the gala, nine families were named as the 2025 Arkansas Foster Family of the Year for their area:
- Lori Cooper, Fort Smith
- Israel and Adriana Villaloz, Hot Springs
- Matt and Laura Smith, Texarkana
- Calvin and Hailey Manion, Conway
- David and June Simpson, North Little Rock
- Pamela Thomas-Nelson, Pine Bluff
- Joey and Jessica Patten, Mammoth Spring
- David and Kristian Ingle, Beebe
- Justin and Brandy Morphis, Monticello
Arkansas Department of Human Services Secretary Kristi Putnam said that foster families fill a critical need…