In honor of May being national Foster Care Awareness Month, the Polk County Department of Social Services (DSS) recognized three foster care partners who work with DSS to ensure area foster children are in good hands.
The Polk County Board of Commissioners met Monday, May 19 and recognized Melissa Bridgeman, Big Level Baptist Church and Jeff and Michelle McGraw for their efforts in assisting the foster care program.
DSS Director read a resolution in honor of national foster care month.
“Every day some 400,000 children and youth across our nation are living in foster care because their own parents cannot take care of them, and these children need a stable and secure home until they can return to their parents or establish a lifelong connection to a nurturing adult,” states the resolution.
During the current fiscal year, 49 Polk County children were served through the foster care system, Parton said.
“It is the goal of the Polk County Department of Social Services to provide these children with safe, stable and nurturing family environments,” the resolution said. “Everyday, citizens choose to become forever foster/resource parents and open their homes, hearts and lives to these children.”
Parton also said foster parents frequently adopt their foster children resulting in a continual need for more foster families.
Parton recognized foster care employees Jackie Johnson and Jennifer Pittman, who conduct training twice a year for foster parents in Polk County.
Melissa Bridgeman, of Cuts of Columbus, was recognized for giving free haircuts to foster children in Polk County.
Big Level Baptist Church was recognized for providing Easter baskets for the past approximately 10 years to foster children.
Jeff and Michelle McGraw were recognized for being foster parents since 2002. The McGraws have fostered 14 children, adopted three foster children placed in their care and are in the process of adopting another foster child.
“To all who have given their time, love and care, we thank you,” Johnson said.