A Second Act of Caring: Kim Range's Journey from Foster Parent to Daycare Owner

Kim Range has spent her life caring for others. Since 2009, she has opened her home and heart to countless children as a dedicated foster parent. One of the more profound experiences in her journey was dealing with the unique challenges posed by her autistic son. Finding the right support system for his needs was a struggle, and it made Kim acutely aware of the gaps in care for children with special needs.

Kim’s Second Act
After a 31-year tenure working with the City of Erie, Kim decided to retire and embark on a new venture that combined her passion for nurturing children with a flexible job that allowed her to be there for her own ten children, who are now nearing or in their teenage years. She decided to open an in-home daycare, Ranges Helping Hands, a perfect second act that provided her with the opportunity to continue her caregiving legacy. Kim’s determination was evident; it took her a year to get certified, and her garage is currently undergoing a complete remodel to better accommodate her thriving business.

Kim’s experience with foster care and her autistic son informed her empathetic and adaptive approach to daycare. She recalls taking in a boy who had been expelled from another daycare. Despite his behavioral issues like hitting, biting, punching, and kicking—learned behaviors from his environment—Kim saw beyond the actions and understood the underlying needs. Through patience and retraining, she provided the structured and supportive environment he required.

Today, Kim’s in-home daycare is at full capacity with six children, allowing her to get her “baby fix” while being available for her own family. She aims to support first-time foster parents, particularly those dealing with children with behavioral issues, by sharing her experiences and offering guidance. Her autistic son, once struggling, is now a thriving 14-year-old, thanks to the caring assistance and stability provided by Kim and a compassionate daycare worker who once helped him.

Kim Range’s story is a testament to the transformative power of dedicated and personalized care. She exemplifies how second acts can enrich not only the individual’s life but also the lives of those they touch, ensuring that all children, regardless of their challenges, have a supportive space to thrive.

If you feel inspired by Kim’s story and are interested in making a difference in the lives of children, consider fostering with Families United Network. Your home could be the nurturing environment that a child in need is searching for. Please contact Families United Network to learn more about how you can embark on your own journey of care and support.