They say the love that grows multiplies. That sentiment couldn’t be more true for Ronald and Jeannine Shugars, a Bradford couple whose dedication to fostering and adoption has made an indelible mark on countless lives.

The Shugars were recently honored at the 33rd Annual Pennsylvania Permanency Conference where they were one of six families from across the commonwealth to receive the prestigious Permanent Family Recognition Award. The award celebrates families who have provided legalized permanency to children with special needs in the form of adoption, kinship care or permanent legal custodianship as well as families who have shown a strong commitment to advocacy.

Since 2017, the Shugars have worked tirelessly as a certified resource family — a term used for a family who provides temporary or permanent care for children who, for one reason or another, cannot live with their biological parents or guardians. These families have formerly been referred to as foster families.

During the past several years, the Shugars family has grown to include six adopted children, with a seventh child currently in the process of adoption. Three of those youngsters are biological siblings who are now growing up together in a safe, loving home thanks to the Shugars’ commitment to keeping families intact whenever possible.

“Ronald and Jeannine Shugars are a couple whose hearts are as big as their family,” said Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Secretary Val Arkoosh. “Each of their children brings unique needs and Ronald and Jeannine meet those needs with grace, patience and resilience.”

Parenting any child comes with challenges, but many of the Shugars children face complex diagnoses such as reactive attachment disorder, intellectual disabilities and developmental delays. Still the Shugars approach each day with optimism, structure and a deeply rooted sense of purpose.

On top of managing schoolwork, meals and childhood milestones, the Shugars coordinate a whirlwind of appointments — from speech therapy and physical therapy to specialist visits and checkups. They recognized early on that their plus-sized family would need reliable transportation and made a practical investment.

“When they realized they needed a better way to get seven children to their various appointments and daily activities, they bought a transit van,” said Laval Miller-Wilson, deputy secretary for the Office of Children, Youth and Families. “A big van for a big-hearted family!”

Despite their complex schedule, the Shugars strive to be hands-on parents. They do not rely on babysitters or outside help, choosing instead to attend each and every doctor’s visit and therapy session alongside their children.

“Their commitment to their children’s well-being is total and unwavering,” said Miller-Wilson.

Somehow, through it all, they said they still make time to appreciate the most important things of all: faith, family and togetherness. They prioritize Sunday mornings at church, quality time at home and memorable family vacations such as a trip to the Outer Banks.

Their story is one of love in action and a reminder of the powerful role resource families play in changing the lives of children in need.

“In every way, Ronald and Jeannine show us what it means to create a home built on love, structure and an unshakeable commitment to permanency,” said Miller-Wilson.

The Shugars’ journey continues, not just as parents, but as strong advocates for children and an example for others who may be considering becoming resource families themselves. Through it all, one thing is clear: their home may be full, but their hearts are even fuller.