LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) – Allen County Children Services is recognizing the positive impact foster parents have on the children in their care.
In honor of Foster Care Month, the agency hosted its annual Foster Parent Appreciation Dinner to thank foster families for their dedication and service. This year’s theme was “Planting the Seeds of Hope.” In addition to a dinner, guests enjoyed a performance from the Liberty Arts Magnet Show Choir, which entertained the crowd with songs from the musical “Wicked.”
Allen County Children Services currently works with 31 licensed foster homes. This year, they gave special recognition to Melissa Stephens, who has been a foster parent in the county for 25 years.
“If people are considering becoming a foster parent, she recommends that they give it a try, because it is rewarding.
“Seeing reunification is always the greatest, but just watching each kid meet different milestones, that's very rewarding,” said Melissa Stephens, licensed foster parent in Allen County for 25 years.
“Foster parents are asked to do a lot. They can be called on at any time to take the placement of these youth, and they're really providing care for them, and again, just kind of planting those seeds of hope to help them grow while they're temporarily caring for them, with the goal being reunification. Back to the parents,” said Shelly Conrad, program administrator at Allen County Children Services.
Last year, the agency placed more than 200 children in the care of foster parents or relatives, providing support until the children could be safely reunited with their families.
