Her children have given her many names, Mrs. Martha, Nam, and even Mom.
Martha Coley is still fostering at age 82. She has cared for over 103 children, both typical and special needs. The foster mother began her journey at the age of 24, and has been fostering children through the Hall County Division of Family and Children's Services and Bethany Christian Services for 33 years.
Before discovering Habitat for Humanity of Hall County, Coley lived in a three-bedroom mobile home with three foster children. It was overcrowded and she knew she needed a nicer, more affordable place. After she learned of the Habitat Homeownership program, Coley applied and was accepted. She completed her sweat equity, paid her closing cost contribution, signed her mortgage, and happily moved into her home in early 2007.
She seized the opportunity to own an affordable home through the Habitat program and ended up paying less for the mortgage than her previous rental. Having a home with more space meant she could continue to foster children without worry.
Then, after living in her home for 11 years, a fire started in the attic. Coley’s foster child told her she smelled, and that’s when Coley realized there was a big problem. They grabbed what valuables they could, mostly pictures, and ran to safety. Coley went back to try to save her dog, LuLu. Her effort was unsuccessful; she passed out from smoke inhalation. She awoke to Hall County sheriff's deputy carrying her up her driveway to safety. Coley had fractured her shoulder in the fall. The house was deemed a total loss but Coley was able to rebuild her home on the same foundation. The new home took about six months to rebuild.
Coley still presses on with a smile on her face, after seeing so much adversity in her life.
In her free time, she continues to help youth. She is currently putting together presents for 300 children through Hall-Dawson CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate). She enjoys writing and reading mystery novels. Coley is happiest when she sees one of her former children doing something nice, or helping someone. She shares an instance when she met one of her former foster children delivering Meals on Wheels.
“Seeing my kids help others is inspiring. Maybe somewhere along the line I did something or said something that encouraged them to make a difference.”
Coley reminds all of her children to keep kindness first.
