PRESS RELEASE
Contact:
Ines Owens, Director
Elisabeth Fletcher, Communications Specialist
Elisabeth.fletcher@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028
Foster Families in Senate District 19 Celebrated
ATLANTA- November 15, 2018
Foster families in Senate District 19 were recently treated with a dinner and evening with free child care to thank them for their investment in the lives of our most vulnerable.
Sen. Blake Tillery (R-Vidalia) and Rep. Bill Werkheiser (R-Glennville) hosted the event with the help of Sen. Butch Miller (R–Gainesville), President Pro Tempore of the Senate. Georgia Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) case managers from across the region were also included in the evening.
“I am so grateful for the opportunity to show foster families how much they mean to our community,”said Sen.Tillery.
“
These men and women open their hearts and homes to
our state’s most vulnerable children without a second thought. Because of them,many children,mothers and fathers across our state are able to get back on their feet and parents are able to raise their children themselves. Their selfless acts of devotion to these children are not recognized nearly enough, and I am glad that we could show some appreciation for what these men and women do on a daily basis. I am proud and honored to serve such humble and inspiring citizens who are truly making a difference in District 19.”
“It was an honor to co-host this event for our foster families,”said Rep. Werkheiser.“Their selfless service often goes unnoticed, so it was great to take time to give back to those individuals who do so much for our communities.”
In addition to foster parents, 68 foster and adopted children of foster parents were treated to dinner and a fun night filled with activities with the assistance of Chick-Fil-A of Vidalia and Lyons First Baptist Church.
Senate District 19 is included in the DFCS districts 09 and 12, which covers much of southeast Georgia. There are 78 foster homes in Senate District 19 that host foster children from infants to age 18. Georgia DFCS facilitates fostering relationships between foster families and children and helps parents to “get back on their feet” and successfully raise their children when appropriate.
There are approximately 14,000 children in foster care statewide.
