Two Capital Region organizations have launched a new initiative that aims to increase the number of foster care parents and make lasting differences in the lives of children.

“I would have continued on the path of not doing well in school," said Magan Wood, a former foster child who was adopted by Nicole and Naomi Wood. "High school wouldn’t have been an option. College would have definitely not been an option for me.”

That’s how Magan Wood imagined her life had she not found herself in the care of Nicole Wood.

“Her life was a mess. Her grades were awful. She attended school to get food to feed herself and her little brother,” said Nicole Wood.

She and her partner have raised more than 50 children in foster care through Berkshire Farm Center and Services For Youth.

“We went into foster care truly, as cliché as it sounds, trying to figure out how we can make a difference in our community,” Nicole Wood said.

With the guidance of the Woods and eventual adoption, Magan Wood’s life took a dramatic turn. Her grades improved and her decision-making became more responsible.

“Coming into foster care was also rough, but I’ve made some changes to better my life," Magan Wood said. "I had a great support from my family.”

Unfortunately, there are not enough foster parents in New York to enable more outcomes like this.

“There is 17,000 kids in care right now, all over from upstate to downstate," said Brian Parchesky, CEO of Berkshire Farm Center & Services For Youth. "And about 6,000 kids come in every year.”

Berkshire Farm Center and Services For Youth specializes in foster care and adoption. It calls the shortage a critical issue.

“The more diverse pool of foster parents we have, the better able we are to match them,” said Alicia Kremer, vice president of foster care at Berkshire Farm Center & Services For Youth.

To help fill the gap, Berkshire is partnering with United Way of the Greater Capital Region, hoping to tap into its network.

“You can call 211, 24/7, 365. Our call center specialist will do a simple intake with you and then within 24 hours, someone with Berkshire Farm Center will call you back to explain more to you about the process,” said Peter Gannon, president and CEO of United Way of the Greater Capital Region.

Nicole Wood said people considering becoming a foster family should give it a chance.

“It’s nice that we can provide a nice home for them, but the biggest gift to us is what we’ve learned and seen from kids that come into our home,” she said.

As the partnership takes shape, Magan Wood sent a message for children who right now may be finding themselves in a similar situation she was in.

“Stay focused. And stay on the right path,” she said.