Raising Awareness and Restoring Hope - One Child at a Time!

  Raising Awareness and Restoring Hope - One Child at a Time!

A Story about Big Feelings, Foster Care, and Finding Hope

Do you know a child navigating big feelings or foster care? This book was written just for them!

One Day at a Time is a heartfelt story about a little girl navigating the changing seasons and a swirl of emotions while in foster care. Throughout her journey, she finds comfort, courage, and hope for each day.

Filled with whimsical illustrations and charming rhymes, children are encouraged to embrace their big feelings while also learning peaceful coping strategies. Inspired by Matthew 6:25-34, this story highlights God’s love and care for EVERY child, reminding them that they are precious and wonderfully made. 

Join the waitlist now to be the first to know when it’s available!

Here’s what readers are saying: 

  • “One Day At A Time is a powerful tool for children and adults alike to slow down, connect, and process all of the big feelings and big moments that happen in the lives of foster children.

    The intentionally beautiful pages bring to life the reality of what foster children face, both internally and externally. Readers, young and old, are left with immense hope that peace and safety are possible for them!

    The practical skills and holistic view of the child make this book a must-have for foster parents, foster children, and clinicians!”

    - Maggie Dunn, MA, LLPC, Co-Founder & Clinical Director, House of Providence

    ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

  • “As foster/adoptive parents, we found One Day At A Time to be a deeply moving and valuable resource. It gently captures the overwhelming mix of big emotions foster/adoptive children experience—sadness, anger, confusion, and hope—and offers them reassurance that their feelings are valid. The relatable storytelling and tender illustrations make it easy for children to see themselves in the pages.  We especially appreciate the book’s message of God’s unwavering care and love on every page and with every big emotion. It offers security and hope, reminding children that they are never alone, even in uncertain times.  We highly recommend it to fellow foster/adoptive parents, caregivers, and anyone supporting children in care.  It’s a beautiful, compassionate story that offers comfort and encouragement to both kids and the adults who love them.”

    - Curt & Christy Demoff, foster & adoptive parents, Lead Pastors of Bridgewood Church

    ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

  • “One Day At A Time is an incredible book and principle that we all need, but specifically children riding the emotional foster care roller coaster.

    It is a beautifully illustrated and sweetly written story that fills a gap, offers hope, and reminds the reader that we are loved and cherished just as the lilies and sparrows.”

    - Emily Arredondo, foster & adoptive parent, Leader of The Village, which provides support for foster families

    ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

  • “As a foster, adoptive and biological mother, this beautiful book touched my heart in a profound way. It places words, as well as small actions, to the big feelings, emotions and experiences that families, together with their kids, deal with while fostering. I cannot recommend this book enough! From the precious, colorful illustrations to the practical advice, tips and tools to help healing take place in the hearts and homes of every child and adult alike, touched by foster care. The words and scripture references bring healing like a balm to the soul and I look forward to reading this over and over with my 6 kids. Thank you Maria, for following God's lead in writing this exemplary book and leading by example in love.”

    - Lisa Rottier, Foster and Adoptive Mom

    ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

I’m Maria!

Author of One Day at a Time, and a passionate advocate for faith, family, and foster care.

Hello!

My heart for this book is shaped by my experience as a mom and foster parent, my work as a registered nurse with youth in foster care, and many years of serving alongside my husband in full-time ministry.

My hope is to help every child feel seen, loved, and know their value...one day at a time.

Together, we can make a difference in the life of a vulnerable child.

A child enters foster care every 2 minutes in the U.S.

Over 400,000 children are in foster care across the country.

Nearly 11,000 children are in foster care in Michigan.

Over 20,000 youth age out of foster care each year, and 1 in 4 will experience homelessness.

Every child deserves to feel seen, safe, and valued.

Sparrow & Co. Cares is a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness and restoring hope—one child at a time. Our mission is to deliver One Day At A Time books and Comfort Care Packages to children facing the difficult transition into foster care, starting right here in Michigan. Through your partnerships, we strive to help each child feel seen and valued by providing a new bag filled with trauma-informed dignity and comfort. Together, we can bring hope—one day at a time.