Families are made in all sorts of ways. And sometimes, very quickly.
Shawn Narayan and his wife Annie first became a part of the Wayfinder family when they decided to become foster parents.
They went through the process to be certified. And then, the very day they were certified, they became the foster parents of newborn twins. It was a surprise… they had been expecting five year old children. On the way to hospital, they ran out to buy all the needed baby equipment.
Shawn says, “We just jumped in with both feet and we’ve been doing it ever since.”
The twins are now five years old. Shawn and Annie have adopted them. And they’ve since become foster parents of a new baby.
Through all the experiences, Wayfinder has become an extended family. Annie became involved as part of the Community Council two years ago. And recently, Shawn also decided to join.
Shawn works for PG&E. He felt he could provide valuable perspective about fostering and adopting children at his workplace. He has spoken at PG&E events about Wayfinder, and his personal experience as a foster dad. He’s especially enthusiastic about increasing the visibility of men in foster care.
Shawn understood that part of his responsibilities on the council would be to help raise funds and awareness of Wayfinder. He’s happy to be involved with events like Derby Day, that are so crucial to Wayfinder.
The couple also hosts monthly playdates for other foster parents and other adoptive foster parents.
Shawn and Annie are thankful for the long-lasting connections they’ve made through Wayfinder. The ongoing support network has been helpful as they raise their family.
Of his involvement with Wayfinder and the Community Council, Shawn says, “This is our way to create further longevity for Wayfinder’s programs, and the support it provides to foster and adoptive parents.
“I just wanted to get involved and see where it goes, if we can make a difference.”
If you’d like to learn more about volunteering with Wayfinder Family Services, please call Alexa Adams at 415-297-6203 or email at aadams@wayfinderfamily.org. If you’d like to learn more about becoming a foster parent, you can visit this page.
September 25, 2025