In honor of National Foster Care Month, central New York foster families enjoy a celebration acknowledging their commitment to the community
Cayuga Centers concluded National Foster Care Month, a time to acknowledge individuals such as foster parents, volunteers and policymakers who aid children in the process of finding permanent homes, with a foster parent appreciation event on Deauville Island at Emerson Park, Auburn, NY. The non-profit human services agency held a carnival on May 25 for around 50 foster parents and foster youth to mark the occasion and celebrate the loving homes its foster families provide to children in need of support.
“We wanted to show our foster parents how much we appreciate them,” said Phredi Griffin, Cayuga Centers Vice President of CNY Treatment Family Foster Care Services. “Especially through the pandemic, they have not had the chance to spend time together with all the children. So, we decided this was the perfect opportunity to have this celebration.”
Cayuga Centers’ staff members, along with the support from sponsors, created an environment where children and foster parents could bond and have fun. Activities included a Playdough activity provided by PlaySpace, a basketball shootout inflatable provided by Schafer Electric LLC, ring toss, tie dying, face painting and more. Participants enjoyed a meal, carnival-style snacks, and cupcakes provided by Wegmans.
“For the families, I think it is really exciting,” said Brooke Bartelli, Cayuga Centers Behavioral Case Planner. “It’s amazing to be able to get families together in this way. It’s also a great opportunity for our new foster families to get to meet some of our seasoned foster families to share advice and make some friends within the community.”
Cayuga Centers continues to seek diverse, loving foster parents to provide homes for local foster youth. For those interested in helping support the community’s youth by becoming a foster parent, visit cayugacenters.org/cny to learn more.
About Cayuga Centers
Cayuga Centers is a nationally accredited and awarded 501(c)(3) non-profit, human services agency headquartered in Auburn, NY. Founded in 1852, the agency has delivered quality services by following the agency’s core mission of helping individuals and families grow as independent, healthy, and productive citizens through quality counseling, out-of-home care, and support services. Cayuga Centers provides a continuum of support services nationally, with offices in over 10 cities. The agency specializes in providing individualized, culturally appropriate, and trauma-informed support to diverse populations. Cayuga Centers currently serves 10,000 individuals and families annually. Visit www.cayugacenters.org to learn about its services, how to become a foster parent, and employment opportunities.
