HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-04-28 Proclamation (3)
PROCLAIMING MAY 2008 AS FOSTER CARE AWARENESS MONTH
WHEREAS, the family, serving as the primary source of love, identity, self-esteem, and support, is
the very foundation of our communities and our State; and
WHEREAS, in Maine, there are 2,176 children and youth who are being provided with a safe,
secure, and stable home through the compassion and nurturing of a foster family;
and
WHEREAS, all young people in foster care need a meaningful connection to a caring adult who
will be a supportive and lasting presence in their lives; and
WHEREAS, foster, kinship, and adoptive families who open their homes and hearts and support
children whose families are in crisis play a vital role in helping children and families
heal and reconnect, thereby launching young people into successful adulthood; and
WHEREAS, dedicated foster families frequently adopt foster children, resulting in a greater need
for more foster families; and
WHEREAS, there are numerous individuals and public and private organizations that work to
increase public awareness of the needs of children, both while they are in foster care
and when they leave care, and the enduring and valuable contribution of foster
parents; and
WHEREAS, the foster care “system” is only as good as those who choose to be part of it;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, SUSAN M. HAWES, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF BANGOR, on behalf of
the City Council and the citizens of Bangor, do hereby proclaim May 2008 as Foster Care Awareness
Month in the City of Bangor. I encourage our community, agencies, religious organizations,
businesses, and others to celebrate foster care, honor families that grow through foster care, further
an awareness of the challenges and issues in foster care, and focus attention on those who live in
the shadow of an uncertain future while they await forever families.
Given this the 28th day of April 2008.
__________________________________
Mayor Susan M. Hawes