In real life, you don't necessarily need a cape or super powers to be a hero. Sometimes a bottle and cookies is enough to earn the title, and for one Orlando couple, opening their home and their hearts for neglected and abused children has turned out to be more powerful than they could have ever imagined.
"We're managing. We're still somewhat sane," jokes Danae Fuentes. Danae and her husband German Fuentes decided that they needed to do something to help at-risk children. "That's the idea," said German. "We want to help them as much as possible."
Danae and German have a child of their own, 14-year-old Maximiliano, but the couple recently decided to add to the family by way of fostering. Right now, they're taking care of three foster children, and the Fuentes' emphasize that it's not about them... it's about the children.
"That's what people need to understand," said German. "It's not about us, it's about the children. This is about helping these children in their time of need. It's not about us and it will never be about us."
The Fuentes' have gone as far as turning their living room into a playroom, which would allow them to be able to take in even more children. In addition, they've started a foster care ministry at their church that is designed to aid in recruitment efforts. They've hosted gatherings to answer questions, all in the hope that more people will share their mission of love.
"A lot of people like the idea of helping," said Danae. "A lot of people want to help, but most people don't know how to go about it. That's the biggest problem we face, so what we're trying to do here is to get the word out."
The Fuentes' say they're just parents, but those who have worked with them say that they are so much more than "just" parents.
"Think about the fact that they're so selfless and inspiring," said Kyraneshia Coleman. Coleman is with Community Based Care of Central Florida. "They've changed their home and adapted to these children, which is the opposite of the children having to adapt to them."
German and Danae Fuentes say that with God's help, they believe fostering is something that they can continue to do for a long time.
"As long as we can! Forever!"
For more information on foster care opportunities, visit Community Based Care of Central Florida.