In recognition of May as Foster Care Awareness Month, Child and Family Services (C+FS) hosted a Foster Parent Appreciation Banquet, where the Agency expressed gratitude for the hard work and dedication of all our foster parents. Foster parents received certificates honoring their years of caring for children and enjoyed an evening bonding with staff and other parents sharing stories about their experiences.
Throughout the evening, many took the opportunity to reflect on what initially made them decide to become foster parents. Although it seemed everyone had different inspirations, they were hoping to provide the same thing – giving children a safe space during a challenging time.
“I became a foster parent because I was in the foster care system as a child,” recalled Shelia Young. “I wanted to give back because of what I personally went through. I’m grateful to have the patience and understanding required in this role to help children in foster care.”
“My husband and I have three grown children, with no grandchildren on the horizon,” Audrey Held said. “We have so much to give, and we wanted to make sure we are using the resources we have to help children.”
“We were newly married and didn’t have children of our own when my wife and I decided to foster,” Richard York explained. “It’s incredibly rewarding. There’s nothing like seeing what these children need and being able to provide them a place to stay.”
Many of our foster parent explained how this experience has helped their understanding of the need for stable, caring homes for youth while, at the same time, working toward the goal of reuniting them with their biological families. Their involvement illuminated not only the demand for foster parents, but also the profound impact they can have on a child’s life.
“Throughout our foster care journey, we’ve had multiple short and long-term placements,” added Richard. “I don’t think we realized how much of a need there is for foster parents in our community until we started our journey, but children deserve to find loving, home environments.”
C+FS extends a heartfelt thank you to all our foster parents who opened their homes for children. If you are interested in learning more about becoming a foster parent, please email homefinding@cfsbny.org or call (716) 882-0555.