The McDonalds had only recently been approved as a Host Family through Valley Family Church when an unexpected New Year’s Eve referral came in from Bronson Hospital. A mother had arrived at the ER with what she believed was a minor injury, only to learn she was facing a serious infection that required an extended hospital stay. She had her two children with her, her four‑year‑old son and eleven‑year‑old daughter, and although she managed to find a friend who could help for a couple of days during the holiday break, it quickly became clear she would need more support. She was scared, in pain, and unsure how to keep her children safe while getting the medical care she urgently needed.
A Bronson social worker, familiar with Safe Families, reached out to us. Intake was completed that same day, and the McDonalds were contacted. Jason and Jodawna talked with their two high‑school daughters, and within just a couple of hours, they all agreed that they were willing to host. Leona Carter, newly approved as a Family Coach, stepped in immediately. With her background as a former foster parent and adoptive parent, she was eager to serve. She already knew the McDonalds from the media team at church, and she was excited to collaborate with them on this hosting.
A meeting was set at the hospital for the next day for Mom, the kids, the McDonalds, and Leona. Leona loved the open, honest dialogue that unfolded. She watched trust begin to form as the McDonalds talked with Mom about pets and showed a picture of their dog, something that instantly lit up her son, who adored puppies. That small moment softened the room and helped Mom feel safe. Hosting began within 24 hours.
Throughout the two‑week stay, Leona stayed in close contact with Mom while also supporting the McDonalds as they navigated the rhythms of hosting. The McDonalds’ daughters bonded quickly with the eleven‑year‑old girl. The four‑year‑old boy thrived too, playing with borrowed toys from a neighbor and joining in the lively pace of the McDonald household.
The family embraced the children fully, reading bedtime stories, including them in family dinners, and their normal activities and routines. The kids attended different schools at different times, which brought logistical challenges, but the McDonalds handled it with patience and flexibility.
During the hosting, Head Start asked for help getting the little boy to a check‑up and blood draw, and later a hearing test, appointments Mom had struggled to reach due to transportation barriers. The results revealed some concerns, and everyone hopes this will lead to answers and support he needs.
There were difficult moments too. Near the end of the hosting, communication became strained, and Mom asked for the children to return home earlier than planned. Jenny stepped in, offering calm guidance and reassurance to the McDonalds. Having that support made all the difference.
A week after the hosting ended, the McDonalds reached out to Mom to reconnect and asked if they could take her daughter to a WMU basketball game, something she had never experienced before. Mom agreed, and the outing went well. The relationship didn’t end with the hosting; it continued with warmth and mutual respect.
Reflecting on the experience, the McDonalds shared how rewarding it was to help a family in crisis, to provide stability, and to let their own daughters participate in meaningful service. “We’ve always had people to help us,” they said. “Not having anyone… we don’t know what that would feel like.” Leona echoed that sentiment. She saw God’s love meet this mother exactly where she was, no pretending, no pressure, just real support offered with dignity and compassion. “We surrounded her with love, help, and resources,” she said. “Consistent, real care. Right where she was.” Today, this family knows they have a place to turn if they need help again.
The McDonalds, Leona, and Valley Family Church stepped in during a moment of crisis, offering stability, kindness, and hope. And even after the hosting ended, the connection remained, a reminder that sometimes the most powerful gift we can offer is simply to stay.
