WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — As Foster Care Awareness Month shines a spotlight on the urgent need for loving homes, one South Florida family is sharing how a simple desire to help children in need turned into a lifelong mission of love.

Anna and Jacob Nelson never imagined just how many lives they would impact when they first considered becoming foster parents. So far, the couple has welcomed more than 30 children into their home and officially adopted their daughter, Lily.

Anna, a nurse, said her experiences caring for babies born into addiction and substance abuse first inspired her to consider fostering.

“I saw a lot of children born into addiction and substance abuse, and that always tugged at my heart,” Anna said.

The inspiration continued through their church community, where the couple saw firsthand the growing need for foster families. But the decision was not theirs alone. Their children also embraced the idea from the very beginning.

“When I heard the words ‘kids left alone,’ we had an extra room and I was like, ‘Let’s bring one in,’” said Levi, the Nelsons’ son.

See also: New technology aims to speed foster care placements during National Foster Care Month

Since opening their doors, the Nelson family says the journey has been rewarding, emotional and sometimes challenging — but always worthwhile.

“It’s been a wild ride,” Jacob said. “It’s been a lot of fun and difficult at times, but we wouldn’t change it for anything.”

For Lily, finding her forever family has meant finding love, kindness and stability.

“I like that they care for me and they’re kind and they love me,” she said.

The Nelsons say one of the biggest misconceptions about fostering is fear of the unknown.

“They’re just like any other kid,” Jacob said. “They show up, they’re more nervous than you’re going to be.”

Faith has also played a major role in helping the family navigate the ups and downs of fostering and adoption.

“It’s awesome to welcome children that the Lord has blessed us with,” Anna said. “Every day we wake up with enough peace and joy that only He can give us. We wake up with enough patience because you need a lot of that.”

Their daughter Lanie agrees that life in a large foster and adoptive family has been a blessing.

“It’s so fun to have a big family,” she said.

The Nelsons also want people to know there are many ways to support foster families, even for those who may not be ready to foster themselves.

“If you know a family, ask them, ‘Hey, do you have a list? Do you have something I can provide for?’” Anna said.

Supporters often help by purchasing needed items such as backpacks and shoes through online wish lists or by providing meals for families caring for foster children.

“We’re blessed to know that almost every Monday night there’s a meal provider for our family,” Jacob said.

To learn more about helping children and teens in foster care, visit ForeverFamily.org.

Kogan & DiSalvo Personal Injury Law sponored our forever families of the week.