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Show Page 6 Thursday, August 27, 1959 THE VALLEY VIEW NEWS Navajo Student Joins Foster Family 60 Indian Childre Foster Homes tor Some 360 Indian children from the reservations of Arizona anc New Mexico are beginning a new experience in living this week as they become regular members of white families in Utah for the cur rent school year. The youngsters, ranging in age from eight to 18, are participating in the Indian Student Placement program of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-da- y Saints, now sixth its year. beginning More than 300 Utah families were enlarged this week by the arrival of Indian students from New Mexico and Arizona, who will live in foster homes during the school year. One is Stanford Littleman of Coppermine, Ariz., shown here enjoying dinner with the family of Rich ard Brewer in Orem. The Utah Indian Student Placement program is sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-da- y Saints. Arriving by bus direct from their reservation homes, the children were taken first to a reception center set up at Brigham Young University in Provo where they were foster introduced to the white families with whom they will reside for the next nine months. During the four days activity at the reception center, Aug. 25, 26, 27 and 28, a volunteer staff of 24 doctors and dentists, 12 registered nurses and some 80 addition- - al aids and workers assisted in augurating the program. The in- chil- dren were given thorough examinations as well as various types of immunization treatments. They also engaged in a program of sports and social activities and received orientation and instruction before being introduced to their host families. The foster parents also received orientation and instruction sessions. In many cases it was a happy reunion of the Indian children with white families with whom they have spent one or more previous school years. Although most homes in the program have only one Indian child, several have two, and some as many as three. Similarly, it is frequently happening that two or more of the children are from the same family. The program, in which a total of more than 1,000 Indian children have participated in previous years, is . designed to extend the cultural, educational and social advantages of the Anglo society to the children of Indian Mormon families. The Indians themselves apply for participation in the program, and after interview with the child and the family on the reservation as well as with prospective foster the placements are arparents, ranged. Applications always exceed by a considerable margin the number of available homes. The children are in no sense adopted, and the placements are r basis, arranged only on a in cases many although they are renewed from year to year. It is emphasized that the status of the visiting child is not as guest nor as servant, but as a regular member of the family, sharing the work and responsibilities of home and school as well as the advantages and pleasures. The foster parents receive no financial compensation for their part in the program. The program is operated by the department of Social Service and Child Welfare of the Relief Society, womens auxiliary organization of the church, with the approval and cooperation of federal, state and tribal agencies and officials. Five e field workers assist in its administration. Most of the children are Nava-joalthough there are a few from the Hopi, Apache, Zuni and Huala-pa- i tribes enrolled in the program. The foster homes are scattered throughout the length and breadth of the state of Utah. one-yea- full-tim- s, The above is an outline of the varioufs Community Development districts that cor j respond with the regular voting district.' i ' of the community of Kearns. Kearns C.D. Districts Organizing EMU Bora MoDIk.0 Wouldnt a glass of MILK taste good right now ? RMFUCAH DAIRY ASSOCIATION Of UTAH The chairmanships for the eight Lavar Allred, No. 6 Mr. Charles CD districts have been accepted Parkin, No. 7 Mr. John Hogan, and many of the districts have No. 8 Mr. Paul Wagaman. completed the assignment of block If you live in the districts of chairman for their area. In the past two weeks, these block chairmen have contacted every 5th home in their block to conduct a public opinion poll. This when tabulated, will give the heads of the organization an idea what the community needs and what they have available to work with. Chairmen for the eight districts are as follows: No. 1 Mrs. Deen Scofield, No. 2 Mrs. Gene Andrews, No. 3 Mr. Orin Hunter, No. 4 Mrs. Jack Skinner, No. 5 Mr. any of these chairmen, and feel that you have time available to to your community and have give not as yet been contacted, get in touch with your district chairman. This is your community and it will be what you, its citizens, make it. So far the response seems to be greater among the new residents of Kearns, over the old residents. Know your district and your district chairman. Help build your community now. 7&mem4efcr Only you can PREVENT FOREST FIRES! |