FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 30, 2008
The Next Door Honors Foster Parents
The Next Door, Inc. recently honored foster parents with gifts, fun, and loving words from their foster children. On Tuesday May 13, 2008 at The Dalles Civic Auditorium The Next Door Inc. held their annual Foster Parent Recognition Banquet. Seventy people attended including Foster Parents, Foster youth, and staff.
The theme of the party was “Hollywood” with an emphasis on our foster parents as the stars. “We truly appreciate the work that you do! You are amazing and we wouldn’t be able to do this with out you.” stated Becci Crane, Foster Parent Certifier.
Several youth presented awards to their foster parents. The presentations were very emotional ranging from funny to heartfelt. “I make mistakes, it happens. But my foster parents still let me come back and live with them.” “No one else would take me!” “My foster parents have helped me stay in contact with my family and have taught me a lot. They have become more like parents to me than my real parents.” “My foster parents treat me like an equal. They encourage me and work hard to try and help me stay here.”
The Next Door Inc. foster parents provide homes for youth who are receiving treatment services. The average stay of the youth in the home is about 9 months to a year. Once the youth have completed their treatment program they are able to transition back to living in their home, with relative, or into an independent living program.
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