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Events make splash among local foster parentsParenting is a tough job under the best circumstances. It's considerably more difficult when you're parenting someone else's child.
But that's what foster parents in Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River and Okeechobee counties have dedicated their lives to -- they provide safety and stability to abused and neglected children.
United for Families -- the agency that oversees all child-protective services locally -- honored these foster parents throughout the month of June with a series of Foster Parent Appreciation events.
"We realize we can't light a candle to the amount of work and service our foster parents do, but we wanted to dedicate at least one month out of the year to them," said Christina Kaiser, United for Families Development Director.
The festivities kicked off June 10 with a foster family pool party and picnic. More than 120 foster parents and children attended the event, which was hosted at the Gifford Aquatic Center north of Vero Beach.
Children splashed through fountains, ate hot dogs and licked the frosting off giant cupcakes while their guardians relaxed poolside.
Foster parents next attended a formal, adults-only dinner June 17 at the Pelican Yacht Club in Fort Pierce. They feasted on prime rib, roast cornish hen and salmon, then reaffirmed their commitment to foster care after being inspired by keynote speaker Mr. Rick.
"It was so much fun," said Mary Harding, a foster parent in Martin County. "We really needed that."
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The Olivo and Vega families relax during a family day at the June 10 Foster Family Pool Party. The private event was held at the Gifford Aquatic Center in Vero Beach.
Michael Kaiser and daughter Annie take a break from the sun to enjoy a quick snack. Indeed, pickles were a huge hit among the children -- second only to giant cupcakes.
United for Families placement specialists Rhoda Cantor and Mary Steele greet each other warmly during the Indian River County Foster Parent Association spaghetti dinner in June. The event was coordinated by UFF's programs team.
Rosanna Gonzales, foster parent recruiter for Hibiscus Children's Center, joins the spaghetti line. The food was all homemade by foster parents and staff.
Mr. Rick, keynote speaker during the June 17 Foster Parent Appreciation Dinner, uses a mix of humor and sensitivity in his presentation to foster parents. Here, he is caught in one of his many moments of levity.
Foster parents Pat Iania and Mary Harding dance the night away after the appreciation dinner. Pat is a foster and adoptive parent in St. Lucie County, while Mary is the president of the Martin County Foster Parent Association.
Kathrine Baker, Mary Harding and Sandra Mills are front and center when encouraged by Mr. Rick to reaffirm their commitment to foster care.
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United for Families News
- Jackie Pakonis leaves the development office and community resources this month to spearhead United for Families' new Family Team Conferencing project. The project is a new approach to case management that UFF hopes will move children faster through the system.
- United for Families and the Foster Parent Association of Indian River County hope to raise awareness for the foster care community this Tuesday during the Fourth of July parade in Sebastian. Our theme is, "Florida's finest treasures are our children." Look for our treasure-box float!
- The entire community is encouraged to stop by United for Families July 7-8 to help Stuff the Bus. A full size school bus will be parked at the corner of US1 and Port St. Lucie Blvd. for residents who want to help provide school supplies to less fortunate children. The event is being done in participation with the United Way of St. Lucie County's School Supplies for Students program.
- United for Families kicks off its three-day Project Management Training for employees July 12. The intensive training will teach employees to better organize, coordinate and lead large events, programs and projects.
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Foster Parent News- The Ounce of Prevention Fund is available to all foster children. If you have a child in foster care with a special need -- field trips, family vacation, class pictures, etc. -- please call development at 398-2920 Ext. 302.
- United for Families is collecting school supplies for children in foster care. These supplies will be available in early August. The supplies in St. Lucie County will be distributed by case managers. Supplies in Indian River County will be available from FPA president Debra Wesley, while Okeechobee parents can collect their supplies from My Aunt's House. Details still are being worked out in Martin County. Stay tuned.
- Book bags are in short supply this year due to recent policy changes of a long-time donor. While United for Families is making every attempt to collect book bags, foster parents in St. Lucie and Martin counties may need to make their own plans.
- United for Families will once again participate in the national Hair Cuttery Share a Haircut program. As participants, we will get about 300 coupons for free haircuts. These coupons will be available in September -- when most of the nation returns to school.
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Community News
- UFF heroes this month include Hibiscus Children's Center, which donated $500 toward the Foster Parent Appreciation Dinner and more than $1,000 in Home Depot gift cards to celebrate foster fathers.
- Family Preservation Services is another UFF hero for its $2,000 contribution to the appreciation dinner. The event's success was due to the contributions of UFF's many provider agencies, including Children's Home Society, which was recognized in the June newsletter.
- Riverside Bank recently unveiled its School Partners Program. If your child's school is signed up for the program, it will receive bonuses based on individual participation in the program. Ask your local branch for details.
- Organizations interested in participating in Weed and Seed of St. Lucie County's National Night Out Against Crime July 29 on Means Court in Fort Pierce should call Dani at 216-4348. United for Families will be there with an information booth.
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