BRIGHTON — Adams County foster and adoptive parent Jan Churchwell, of Burlington, is one of 10 finalists in CVS Pharmacy’s “For All the Ways You Care” contest. 

    Churchwell is a champion for children in need and an advocate for adoption.  Her story began when she started a daycare business to help with family finances.  From there, the business grew to include an emergency foster care home for Adams and Kit Carson counties. Whether it was for a few hours, weeks or permanently, Jan and her husband, Bob, found joy and fulfillment in their “forever family,” which includes Jan’s three biological children and eight foster children. 

    In addition to caring for her own children, who range in age from 4 to 32, she assists families desiring to adopt in the United States.  Through her “Jan’s Clan, Adoption Support Group” organization, Jan has placed more than 20 children with families in four states.

    As a finalist, she will be honored at a celebratory luncheon during an all-expense paid trip to New York City in addition to receiving $10,000 for her acts of caring.  She was also featured on ABC’s Good Morning America May 4 where the grand prize winner was revealed.  The grand prize winner received $25,000. 

    The contest was a national search for inspirational stories of caring, which received more than 4,200 submissions.