LEAVENWORTH, Kan. — For more than five years, Sarah and Justin Oberndorfer have been fostering children in their home.
"It's something we feel called to and something we have done," Justin Oberndorfer said.
But two years ago, the couple, who have four children of their own, saw a problem in the system.
"You get one child and think, 'If only I had more space, I could bring their brother and sister in my house. If I only had more space, I could take this child that is sleeping in the office tonight,'" Sarah Oberndorfer said.
They took matters into their own hands and created Joy Meadows, a neighborhood just for foster families. Such a community, Sarah Oberndorfer said, is "not only a new idea to this area and to Leavenworth County but to our state."
"You have built in respite care providers," Sarah Oberndorfer said. "You have someone else who understands. You have kids that can look at other kids and their life circumstances are just the same as theirs. You have that support all the time."
On Wednesday, Leavenworth County Commissioners approved the rezoning request to build on a 23 acre lot in Linwood, despite some objections.
But, before they voted, countless neighbors spoke about the project. Some are not too happy with it.
"My first reaction was the amount of people that were going to be introduced to our quiet, rural neighborhood," said Terry Sines, who lives right next to the lot.
He also is concerned about his cattle.
"I'm worried about the kids that are not used being around livestock maybe wanting to get in with them and try to pet them," Sines said.
While Sines said he likes the idea of Joy Meadows, he believes this lot is not the best location for it.
With the request approved, the Oberndorfers and neighbors hope to make it a positive change for everyone.
"I hope we maintain the rural nature of the neighborhood," Sines said.
Justin Oberndorfer said he feels there is an opportunity for people to "do a lot of good for a kid who just needs a step up."
The commission restricted the project to seven homes.
