Building a Family, Strengthening a Community: John and Brian’s Foster Care Story

“There is a huge need for foster parents and absolutely no reason a child should not be in a home.”

John and Brian Pica-Sneeden always wanted a large family, and they began fostering children 27 years ago. Since then, they have adopted five of their foster children and recently renewed their license with Wheeler to foster LGBTQ youth.

Click here to learn more about Wheeler's Foster Care programs.

Recognizing the unique needs of LGBTQ youth based on their own experiences, John and Brian have a vested interest in helping children in this community to grow, thrive, and build healthy, productive lives. They actively encourage other LGBTQ individuals, who are able, to explore becoming a foster parent.

“We want to show LGBTQ children that they can grow up to become successful adults and that they can do anything they set their minds to do. Wheeler is helping us to accomplish this,” said Brian. “The Wheeler team, whom we met through the Connecticut Gay and Lesbian Chamber, encouraged us to become foster parents. We know the Wheeler foster care specialists very well. They innately understand what we’re looking to do, and they are supporting us in our goal of helping LGBTQ youth.

“We feel extremely comfortable with the Wheeler team. They are supportive, considerate, and always have our backs when we need help advocating for our foster child,” added Brian.

“Being a foster parent requires dedication and commitment, and it is essential to be in it for the long haul. These children are human beings, and they are not disposable,” said John. “There is a huge need for foster parents and absolutely no reason a child should not be in a home.”

For information about becoming a foster parent, contact our caring team of Foster Care specialists at 860.793.7277, or send an email to Fostercareprograms@wheelerclinic.org.