The Colorado Department of Human Services highlighted five families for their dedication to foster kids at the Governor’s Mansion in Denver Saturday.

“Touching the life of a child in need is one of the most important and fulfilling things we can do,” DHS executive director Reggie Bicha said in a statement. “These families have done an incredible thing by opening their homes and hearts to some of Colorado’s most vulnerable citizens. Our kids are our future, and these five families are a great example of the role models we want helping to shape our future through compassion and care.”

The ceremony was part of the state’s recognition of National Adoption Month.

The families were featured in a series of videos shown at the luncheon to inspire adoptions for more than 100 attendees, DHS said.

DHS featured:

DHS said there are 276 children and teensin foster care awaiting adoption in Colorado. The foster care system in the state took care of 877 kids who were adopted last year, and 652 have been adopted so far this year.

The state is trying to find more foster parents, especially those who can take care of children with special needs, siblings and older children. Colorado Politics reported last week that Colorado needs 1,200 more foster families in the next two years.

Watch the videos by clicking here. Here are bios of the foster families honored Saturday provideds by DHS:

Camp Family

For 18 years, April and Earl Camp Sr. have been foster parents in Craig. In that time, they have fostered countless children and adopted one child, their 9-year-old daughter, Lucy. April and Earl agree that adoption is a lifelong journey for everyone in their family. Lucy is thriving in their home, and their sons, Earl Jr. (22) and Joshua (37), are proud older brothers. For support on this journey, the Camps turn to the Moffat County Department of Social Services, doctors and specialists across the state, and their own families. April and Earl continue to foster children and teens, and they plan to adopt again if they foster a child who is unable to return to their biological parents and needs a home.

Kobylinski Family

Amy and Jessica Kobylinski had already started the process to become foster-to-adopt parents when they read about a Colorado Heart Gallery display at a library in Colorado Springs. This article prompted the couple to contact The Adoption Exchange, where they told an LGBTQ staff advocate about their desire to adopt a teenager. Almost immediately, the couple were interested in adopting Diamond, 17, but it wasn’t until several months later that they were able to meet Diamond in person. Immediately, the three felt like a family, and Diamond’s adoption was finalized in October 2017. Amy and Jessica are committed to giving Diamond acceptance and unconditional love, and they say Diamond gives them that in return.

Nobles Family

Anita and Jeff Nobles were married for 15 years before they grew their family by adopting siblings Imani, 3, and Tyson, 2. Parenting two toddlers is a challenge. Anita and Jeff say that getting through the day and putting the kids to bed at night is a little victory. For the Nobles, parenting is all about trial and error and thinking creatively in order to ensure their children feel safe and have stability. Anita created a visual schedule for the kids to help them recognize family members and adapt to a consistent routine. They have also relied on the support of their family, faith and community throughout the adoption process.

Robles Family

Himon Robles was a 32-year-old bachelor when his two nieces and nephew moved into his home. Going from an uncle to a parent was an adjustment for Himon and the kids, who were used to their uncle spoiling them and giving them everything they wanted. After caring for the kids for two years, Himon and the kids – Mikayla, 15, Anastaysha, 8, and Joseph, 5 – jumped at the opportunity for adoption. Even though they were already a family, adoption gave them all permanency and peace of mind.

Taylor Family

Maurice and Amber Taylor’s adult children had already left the house when the couple decided to adopt three of their foster children: Max, 9, Tatiana, 8, and Keri, 7. For Maurice, adoption runs in the family – his parents also adopted and he saw firsthand how having a family can change a young person’s life forever. Maurice and Amber continue to foster to provide a safe, loving home for children in Colorado’s foster care system. Maurice and Amber want to let other people know that you don’t have to be perfect to adopt. Kids don’t care about what you have; they just want to be love