A Remarkable Mom-and-Pop Operation : Patricia and Charles Powell, Proud Parents of 197, Show Volunteer Spirit at Its Finest

Anyone seeking role models need look no farther than Maple Street in Brea, home to Charles and Patricia Powell.

At a time when most Orange County residents have been as stingy as Scrooge with both their money and their time, the Powells provide a shining contrast. He is 76, she is 72, and over the last 29 years they’ve cared for 195 foster children, most of them infants and toddlers. The Board of Supervisors this month rightly chose the Powells as one of four families honored with annual Foster Child Advocacy Awards.

All parents know how children turn a household upside down. Most are happy to see the kids off on their own as adults, leaving a little peace and quiet in their wake. But after raising two daughters of their own and seeing them get married, the Powells started helping out as foster parents. The newcomers they welcomed were often the ones with the biggest problems, and thus the toughest for the county to place. Some were ill, neglected or abused. Lately they’ve been those born addicted to drugs, an increasing problem in the county.

Yes, foster parents get stipends for the children in their care, ranging from $329 per month up to $1,100 for those with special needs. But it’s clear that foster parents aren’t in it for the money. At a time when more and more families seem to be coming apart, people like the Powells are in greater need than ever before.

The Volunteer Center of Orange County reported last month that only 29% of the county’s residents volunteer, whether it’s answering a hot line, delivering meals to shut-ins or helping out at a senior citizens center. Nationwide, the average is 54%. Orange County needs more people like the Powells, whose latest foster child is a 2-month-old boy.

The Powells believe that caring for children keeps them young, and they pledge to continue their praiseworthy work as long as their health allows. What an example for the rest of us.