“I actually got tricked into becoming an adult foster parent,” Robert Gulley laughs. “A friend convinced me to come to a Lakeview Center training years ago—and I’ve been doing it ever since.”

Now 76 years old and a retired Navy veteran, Robert has spent the last 15 years caring as a foster parent through Lakeview Center’s CIRCLE program, which provides supportive foster homes for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“I take care of two guys—Wayne, who’s 77, and Dwayne, who’s 43,” Robert shares. “They both have mental challenges, and I do my best to give them a safe place and a good life. During the week, they attend a day program, kind of like a job, and I take care of everything else—cooking, shopping, taking them to their appointments.”

But his role as a foster parent goes far beyond daily tasks. “They’re part of my family. They come to church with me, they know my friends. We’ve traveled together to Texas, Tennessee, even the White House. They’ve seen some beautiful things.”

Though Robert admits it’s not always easy—“sometimes I’d like to just take off and go”—he says the reward is in the relationship. “They’re like brothers to me. I love to see the smile on their faces. And I hope I’m preparing them to get by if anything ever happens to me.”

He credits the support from Lakeview Center for helping him through the challenges. “I get regular training and I’m in touch with staff almost every day. I can always call someone if I need help, and they’ve never let me down.”

When asked what advice he’d give to someone considering becoming an adult foster parent, Robert is clear: “You need to have a kind heart and be able to listen. These guys have been through a lot. They need to be heard. They need someone who understands.”

Would he do it all again? “Of course,” he says. “I’m proud of what I’ve done. Even though I’m getting older, I’m happy with the life I’ve built—with them.”