For the month of May, sandwiched between National Asparagus Month and Salsa Month on nationaldaycalendar.com is National Foster Care Month. All 38 causes listed were published equally, so why pay attention to Foster Care in particular?
Since the last report, neither asparagus nor salsa has come to the rescue of thousands of traumatized children across the country each day. The true heroes are foster parents and relatives, child welfare specialists and volunteers, lawmakers and concerned citizens all committed to helping children who need a stable, nurturing, and healthy home where they can thrive.
Anyone can proclaim any month as anything. However, only six times in our country’s history has a U. S. President proclaimed May to be dedicated to an outstanding cause, such as when President Ronald Reagan signed the official proclamation to raise awareness of foster care in 1988.
Here at Shelter, we are profoundly proud of our foster care team who invariably exceed their job descriptions because of their commitment to children in need. We are grateful for all families who open their hearts and homes to children who, through no fault of their own, are in crisis. We also appreciate the select lawmakers who clear the path for children to receive the help they deserve.
As of March 31, 2019, there are over 14,330 children in foster care in Illinois alone, with 4,926 in our service area. Our goal is to reunite families whenever it is in the child’s best interest. When it is deemed unsafe, we find stable and healthy homes for them.
There are multiple reasons for recognizing National Foster Care Month, and we hope you join us in celebrating all caring people who give their time and talents to helping children, and for the courage of the children themselves who have survived trauma no child should have to endure.
You don’t need to be a foster parent to help foster children! To find out the many ways you can help bring hope and light to the life of a child, click here.
When we work together, we can end child abuse!