Associate Opens Her Home – And Heart – To Dozens Of Foster Children

August 30, 2018 by Honda

Couple has cared for 30 children since 2015

Aug 28, 2018 - RUSSELLS POINT OH -- Becoming a foster parent was the first step in an amazing journey for Jessica Smith, who is featured in the latest What Makes a Honda is Who Makes a Honda video series.

A six-year associate in the Parts Quality Department of Honda Transmission Manufacturing of America, Inc., Smith is responsible for making sure parts coming in from suppliers are of the highest quality. Since she first became a foster parent in 2015, she and her wife, Melissa, have cared for more than 30 children.

In addition to serving as foster parents, the couple adopted the first two children placed in their home, siblings Mary and Emily, now 11 and 12. Both girls are autistic and endured severe abuse before being placed with Jessica and her family. They have since adopted an infant as well.

Having a large family wasn't necessarily part of her plan, says Smith, but with a house full of a lot of noise and love, she wouldn't have it any other way. 'We're just doing what we feel is right so that we can help these kids and give them a loving home,' said Smith. 'Kids these days have a rough enough way to go.'

D.C. Costello, program coordinator for Ohio MENTOR, the foster care agency that works with the couple, thinks the Smiths are great role models for prospective foster parents. 'Jessica and Melissa are exactly the type of people we look for to become foster parents,' said Costello. 'They do everything they can to make that child feel comfortable within their home and within their family.'

The Who Makes a Honda video series focuses on Honda associates who live out the company's commitment to The Power of Dreams, a global theme that encourages Honda associates to conceive ideas that will create new value for customers and society and then show the determination required to bring those dreams to life. In addition, the video series spotlights the inspiring efforts of Honda associates in their work and in the community.

The Who Makes a Honda video featuring Jessica Smith can be viewed on Honda's YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/Nq6bbpXPujY

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