Every year, our Host Family of the Year contest celebrates the incredible families who go above and beyond to make their au pairs feel welcome, supported, and truly at home. Au pairs from across the USA submit heartfelt nominations, and—out of an incredible group of finalists—Cultural Care selects a winner.
This year, we’re thrilled to announce that our 2025 Host Family of the Year goes to The Kim Family from Allendale, New Jersey!
Nominated by their au pair Nayure from Brazil, the Kim family exemplifies what it means to be a Cultural Care host family. From the moment she arrived, Nayure felt an instant connection with host mom Janet, host dad Donn, and their baby, Julian, who was a newborn when they first met.
Read on to discover the Kim family’s impact and the incredible home they created for Nayure.
A space filled with love (and amazing food)
For Nayure, the Kim household isn’t just a place to work and live—it’s a true home away from home.
Her host mom, Janet, plays a huge role in that. More than just a host parent, Janet is a friend, mentor, and incredible cook. Says Nayure, “Janet is simply the best host mom in the world. She is smart, kind, sweet, and funny! Not to mention, she is THE BEST cook ever, like a professional chef. I always love trying the new recipes she makes, and I feel like I have a best friend right at home.”
Her host dad, Donn, is more reserved, but his kindness and warmth make a big impact (“he always gets a good laugh out of me,” says Nayure). And then there’s Julian—Janet and Donn’s baby and Nayure’s “little boss”—who has completely stolen her heart.
“When I first arrived, [Julien] was only a month and a half old, and nothing compares to the feeling of holding him for the first time. From that moment, I knew we’d have a very special connection,” Nayure explains. “I’m grateful every day to Janet and Donn for trusting me with their most precious gift.”
Even the family dog, Tango the sheepadoodle, has played a role in making Nayure feel at home—offering her company, stolen socks, and plenty of laughs along the way.
A true cultural exchange experience
Beyond providing a loving home, the Kims have truly embraced the spirit of cultural exchange. They go out of their way to include Nayure in family traditions, road trips, and celebrations, making her feel like a real part of their family. Janet even finds little ways to bring pieces of Brazil to Nayure, like picking up her favorite Brazilian foods when she’s feeling homesick.
This is what being a standout host family is all about—making sure the au pair’s experience is as meaningful as their own. The best host families aren’t just looking for childcare; they’re looking to include their au pair in their everyday lives.
Congratulations to the Kim family
When host families choose to host an au pair, it’s because they understand the wonderful benefits they can take advantage of—from reliable and flexible childcare to the unique joy of cultural exchange. But successful host families also recognize that the experience goes both ways.
We hope the Kim’s story inspires more families to open their hearts and homes to au pairs, just as they did. Congratulations once again to Janet, Donn, Julian, and Tango for being our 2025 Host Family of the Year!