Relief Houseparenting with the Augustines
Terry and Kathy Augustine were ready for something new. As they became empty nesters and entered retirement, they knew they wanted to spend the next phase of their lives giving back. For 35 years, they had made their home in the Hershey area, raising their four daughters and forming deep connections within the community. However, what they didn’t anticipate nearly 20 years ago when they attended a Milton Hershey School Open House, was the chance to plant new roots—this time in the lives of students.
The Augustines became full-time houseparents in July 2006. They were brand new to MHS and so were the Elementary Division girls entering their student home. The moment they had trained for finally arrived, but the incredible career that followed wouldn’t have been what it was without the support of fellow houseparents and staff. That community was a significant part of their lives. They found mentors and friends who gave them new perspectives on the houseparenting role, which helped them become more effective in caring for their students.
“Being a houseparent is so rewarding,” Terry said. “But it is also a rollercoaster ride, and if you’re not seat belted in, you could fall off. That’s why smart houseparents pay attention to those who are ahead of them.”
After almost 20 years of being full-time houseparents to countless students, Terry and Kathy are now relief houseparents. They are assigned to a student home and supervise it when the home’s full-time houseparents are on break. They work every other weekend, beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday and ending at 9:30 p.m. on Sunday. While on duty, they have access to all meals and a private apartment attached to the student home for family time.
A couple doesn’t need to be former houseparents to become relief houseparents, but the Augustines’ experience adds great value to the role. They have found the key to being successful relief houseparents is ensuring consistency for the students and adhering to the program established by the regular houseparents.
“Consistency is like a psychological hug that keeps the peace within the home and makes the students feel safe,” Kathy said.
The Augustines know how important those alternate weekends are for full-time houseparents to rest and recharge. As relief houseparents, they make it their responsibility to ensure the couple doesn’t feel bad about taking time off when they return. Instead, they’re intentional about seeing things like laundry, meals, and student obligations complete so that the couple can pick up right where they left off when they walk through the front door again.
Additionally, since it is the weekend, Terry and Kathy find creative ways to keep the students engaged and have fun with them during their time together. Their ability to build relationships with the students is a direct reflection of their strong partnership with the full-time houseparents. Attending special events, like Thanksgiving dinner, allows the Augustines to have a greater impact on the students, making their weekend visits even more meaningful.
“Students appreciate their full-time houseparents more when they see a symbiotic relationship between them and their relief houseparents,” Terry said.
Throughout their houseparenting career, Terry and Kathy have had many fulfilling memories, such as attending graduations and seeing students—who were once in their care—walk across the stage at GIANT Center, full of hope for their futures. They’ve also enjoyed seeing graduates return, like one who came back after becoming a dental hygienist and buying her first townhouse to express her gratitude, knowing she had overcome the odds.
While their routine has changed and their houseparenting responsibilities are mainly focused on weekends, the impact and reward remain. The Augustines are grateful to now support houseparents just as so many had done for them throughout the years.