Gainesville, Fla – Partnership for Strong Families (PSF), the lead community-based care agency in North Central Florida, is celebrating the hard work of local foster parents during National Foster Care Month while launching a new campaign emphasizing how the community can impact the lives of local youth in foster care.
PSF’s “We Foster Care” initiative highlights three ways the community can provide for children who have experienced abuse or neglect and their Partner Families, PSF’s term for foster parents. Through donations (“We Foster Hope”), supporting Partner Families (“We Foster Love”) and becoming a Partner Family (“We Foster Care”), residents of the 13 counties PSF serves can lend a helping hand to children and their caregivers.
“There are several ways to have an impact on a child in foster care,” said Patty Carroll, Director of Community and Government Relations at PSF. “Maybe you can form a connection with a Partner Family you know and offer to cook dinner. You may also donate to one of our supply drives, like our Back to School drive. Or you could decide to become a Partner Family yourself. There are options for individuals at different stages in life.”
As part of their campaign, Partnership for Strong Families has also planned a robust social media campaign. Featured posts throughout the month will focus on ways the community can positively impact Partner Families and youth in foster care, resources available for Partner Families, community partners who donate their time and resources to youth in foster care and staff dedicated to assisting Partner Families..
PSF is also honoring its Partner Parents by organizing its annual banquet for Partner Families. The “Fostering and Friendships” event will start at 10 a.m. on May 18 at The Family Church in Gainesville and feature giveaways, delicious food, entertainment and an awards ceremony. Partner Families will also receive gifts that have been donated by staff and community partners.
“Our Partner Families go above and beyond for children who have experienced abuse and neglect,” said Stephen Pennypacker, President/CEO of Partnership for Strong Families. “They open up their homes to provide love and stability during times that can be challenging for our youth. It is our honor to work alongside these families and show them the appreciation they deserve.”
To learn more about Partnership for Strong Families or for information on becoming a Partner or Adoptive Family, please visit www.pfsf.org/wefostercare.
