In the late 1960s, when most children with disabilities in the foster care system were thrown away, Nurse Stefanie Foster saw right past their disabilities and welcomed them into her home. Eight years later, in 1974, she runs a group home for children with disabilities that no one else wants, as well as an early intervention program. When frightened mother Lena Adams brings her daughter Francesca, who has been diagnosed with Down syndrome, for early intervention, Stef helps her see that her daughter's life-as well as her own-can be full of possibility.

Stef responds to the car accident with Callie's parents, and the kids are in the car. Jude has minor injuries, but Callie goes into a coma and is not expected to survive. Stef and Lena end up fostering/adopting Jude. Right around the time the series starts, Callie emerges from her years-long coma and has to restart her life.