Ms. Deborah Jean Foster is the youngest child of Shelton and Della Foster. ‘Debbie’ was welcomed into this world with multiple physical and intellectual disabilities, and they were told she would require a lifetime of care.  Advised to institutionalize, the original Team Shella would instead dedicate their lives caring for their daughter, in the home, with the same integrity, respect, inclusion, acceptance, independence, and love that every child deserves.

Time and age eventually caught up to the Fosters and before long the caregivers needed the caregiving. While navigating the challenges of providing in-home care for both parents and sibling, it soon became clear that other families were also contending with the same queries. In the face of this need an idea was born and Shella came to life.

The Fosters became the first of the thousands of individuals and families that Shella has had the honor and privilege of serving. Shelton and Della are now amongst the stars but continue to provide the guiding light for Shella. Debbie is, to this day, still #1.