OCR Text |
Show Foster families enrich a child's life "We appreciate the fact that someone came into our lives that was able to give us the love and compassion that we so much needed." "A foster family can enrich a child's life. They can help give meaning and build a respect for himself and give a reason to care-" "They treat me with respect and treat me like they do their own kids. They are really fun people to live with and as much as I've grown fond of them, it's going to be very hard to move back with my Mom" "They've not only put a roof over my head and a nice warm bed, but most of all, they've given me the love I've always looked for. I thank God every night for giving me a home where I can say I'm wanted." These are just some of the statements made by foster children and read in connection con-nection with the certificates presented at the Annual Foster Parents Recognition Banquet held April 11 at the Sugar Loaf Cafe. Forty four people, representing the Five County Area, were in attendance. at-tendance. Richard Garrett, Director of the Division of Family Services, spoke about the valuable service rendered by foster parents and indicated in-dicated that they have a big responsibility in being a positive influence in the lives of these young children. He then presented certificates cer-tificates to these very "special people" and read a tribute to each: Mr. and Mrs. Keith Maxwell, Mr. and Mrs. Glen Crawford, Mr. and Mrs. Durell Covington, Mr. and Mrs. John Gibbons, Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Moore, Mr. and Mrs. James Simpkins, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Rhode, Mr.a nd Mrs. Earl Matsumura, Mr. and Mrs. Jim Bishop, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Miner, Mr. and Mrs. Jerald DeMille, Mr.a nd Mrs. Don Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Benny Riddle, Mr.a nd Mrs. Alan Huntington, Mr.a nd Mrs. Gerald Stock, Mr.a nd Mrs. Glen Luellen, Mr.a nd Mrs. Don Mosier, Mr.a nd Mrs. Daniel Frandsen, Mr. and Mrs. Larry Bailey, and Mr. .; and Mrs. Melvin Bradshaw. Sally Peterson, State Foster Care Specialist, spoke, indicating that Governor Scott Matheson has just designated this as State Foster Care Week. She added that there are approximately ap-proximately 1000 youngsters in Foster care in Utah and that there is still a need for more Foster Homes. In connection with Foster Care Week, the foster parents were asked to "Tie a Yellow Ribbon" in a tree in their yard and then explain to those asking about it what Foster Care is all about. Guest speaker for the evening was Joann Taylor. She was introduced by Spencer Schmutz, foster parent of a local group home. Ms. Taylor is a consultant from Utah State University who works with the group home. She graduated from Kansas University and was affiliated af-filiated with Boys Town. "Communication and teaching" were key points of her talk and she alluded to the effectiveness of parents as models in helping young people follow instructions and understand the logic in following instructions. |