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Being a Foster Mom and Having a Baby at the Same Time

In 2015, Lori Kitchen-Buschel and her husband, Kenneth, became licensed foster parents: in less than a year, they went from 0 kids to being the parents of 3 children under 5 with the addition of their daughter Louella Kitchen-Buschel in 2016. In this extremely moving episode, she talks about her journey from meeting her foster children, to finding out she was pregnant unexpectedly and struggling with wondering whether she would have enough love for all of her children.

Lori Kitchen-Buschel Bio

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Born and raised in Metro Detroit, Lori’s career and family is a testament to her passions: social justice through philanthropy; women’s leadership; human safety and security; and, nonprofit management. She earned her BA from American University in politics and woman-focused public policy, and worked for the U.S. Agency on International Development (USAID). It was while working there that she discovered the fascinating world of grant making. After 7 years in Washington, Lori returned to Michigan to work with United Way for Southeastern Michigan (UWSEM), the Michigan Women’s Foundation (MWF), and Nonprofit Enterprise at Work (NEW). In these roles, she led education and advocacy campaigns on basic needs, 2-1-1, food access, and human trafficking. While at MWF, Lori partnered with Girl Scouts for Southeastern Michigan to bring her concept of a civic and philanthropic leadership program for girls to life through a program that eventually became Camp Moxie!

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While at NEW, she coached and trained nonprofits on practical and tangible fundraising goals, demystified the fundraising process, and taught them to be strategic in their fundraising priorities and tactics. She simultaneously championed the wider community to be more inclusive of marginalized groups and areas by teaching donors and fundraisers that donations send a message about community priorities. Now at Wayne County SAFE, Lori is able to marry her passions together to build relationships and philanthropic partnerships to support survivors of sexual assault and human trafficking. In addition to her family, Lori’s passions include children in foster care, hugging basset hounds, and creating essential oil blends. You can connect with Lori on instagram @DetroitLuvYo

Aeroflow Breastpumps

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