Communications Manager, Tanya Andersen Buckingham buckingham.tanya@danecounty.gov
Joan Klang was celebrated by County Executive Joe Parisi for her incredible dedication to fostering children for 49 years. Kris Schaefer, Joan’s OHC Social Worker since 2010, provided a tribute to celebrate Joan’s contribution. “Before the pandemic, I saw Joan in her home. She pulled out three lined sheets of paper to give to me. She had written down every single one of the 135 kids who have lived with her since 1973: often she cared for some of our most challenging kids. Joan had noted on the papers which kids came back to stay with her again. She was proud to tell me only 5 out of the 135 had come back. Joan and her husband Jim raised their three children alongside babies and children who needed a safe and nurturing home.
Joan was profiled in a 2011 WI State Journal article and she received the State foster care award in 2018. It meant a great deal to Joan to receive that. She stated upon receiving her award that, “I have enjoyed all these many years of providing foster care very, very, very much.” She remarked recently, when reflecting on what drew her to fostering and sustained her was that she herself had a good childhood and wanted to provide the same level of stability she’d had growing up, to kids in need.
Joan has been a remarkably valuable foster parent for Dane County. All good things must come to end however, so at 80 years of age and after 49 years she is ready to retire. Joan has said that being a foster parent was her “life’s calling” and it clearly has been. While we will miss Joan, rest assured; she is still caring for kids. She babysits for 2 of her 11 great-grandkids every week!”
If you are interested in becoming a foster parent, please visit DCDHS website for more information.
