May is Foster Care month in Michigan and the departments of Human Services (DHS) and Natural Resources (DNR) and the Michigan Recreation and Park Association (MRPA) are partnering to help find homes for foster children. The three agencies are encouraging people to open their homes and share their love of the outdoors with a foster child.
“Foster parents come from all walks of life, but what they all have in common is that they are caring, understanding, patient and willing to share their lives with children in need,” said Dave Akerly, DHS communications director.
Akerly said the partnership among the DHS, the DNR and MRPA emerged with the goal of providing positive role models for foster children.
“Every kid deserves a childhood filled with fun and play,” he said. “An act as simple as teaching a child to fish or taking a child on a camping trip can make memories that will last a lifetime.”
Outdoor enthusiasts can make an incredible impact on the lives of foster children by introducing them to Michigan’s great outdoors. Recreation activities build confidence and can help foster children get through the difficult reality of being separated from their families.
The DNR and MRPA also offer many free recreation programs at local and state parks, providing plenty of opportunities to get outdoors as a family. To find a local parks and recreation department, contact the Michigan Recreation and Park Association at 517-485-9888. To see a schedule of upcoming recreation programs at the state parks, visit www.michigan.gov/dnrcalendar. Also, the upcoming Summer Free Fishing Weekend (June 7-8) offers another opportunity for families to get outdoors and enjoy a great Michigan tradition.
To get started as a foster parent, contact a Foster Care Navigator at 855-MICHKIDS (855-642-4543) or learn more at www.michigan.gov/shareyourlove. DHS Foster Care Navigators are experienced foster parents who can answer questions, guide parents through the foster home licensing process and offer support and resources.
Click To Submit Press Releases, News, Calendar Items, and Community Events to mediaBrew radio stations WFXD, WKQS, WRUP, GTO, Fox Sport Marquette, and 106.1 The Sound
Marquette, Michigan Calendar; Ishpeming Calendar; Negaunee Calendar; Gwinn Calendar; Negaunee Calendar and Events; Upper Peninsula Calendar of Events; Escanaba Events and Calendar