As National Foster Care Month is coming to an end, we want to shine a spotlight on foster care and the people whose lives are forever changed by the experience. While the circumstances that necessitate foster placement are tragic and all-too common, Hephzibah is committed to celebrating and supporting our children, parents, and caseworkers throughout this difficult process. To quote a well-known Swedish proverb:
“Shared joy is double joy; shared sorrow is half the sorrow”
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arlier this month we held an appreciation dinner for our Hephzibah foster parents, honoring their hard work and dedicated care. It’s an opportunity for parents to meet each other, share their experiences, rest, recharge, and relax. Hephzibah case workers and staff join the party, swapping stories and celebrating alongside the parents – it’s hard work for everyone! While the adults enjoy each others’ company, the kids enjoy an evening of play at Hephzibah’s provided childcare.
A round of icebreaker bingo had everyone up and about getting to know each other and filling out squares in the process. The first couple bingos won nights out to the movies, restaurant gift cards, and spa days! After the scrumptious chicken Parmesan and stuffed shells, a raffle made sure everyone walked home with a little fun and a little treat!
17,222 children
are in foster care in Illinois as of this April. The need is great, and a portion of this number have gone through Hephzibah, meeting our caseworkers and finding placement with our families. As the world changes and the needs of our community shift, Hephzibah is proud to be a place where children and their parents – foster or otherwise – can find shelter through the storm. Consider joining the party! Foster care is a life-changing decision, and we’ll support you through every twist and turn as one of Illinois’ top foster care agencies.
