Samaritas Collaborates with Laura Boonstra to Raise Foster Care Awareness in Michigan

Samaritas Partners with Laura Boonstra

In an earnest effort to address the urgent need for foster parents in Michigan, Samaritas has joined forces with Laura Boonstra, the author of "Our Family Is Not a Tree." This collaboration comes as the state grapples with the reality of nearly 10,000 kids within the foster care system. Both organizations are committed to raising awareness and encouraging Michiganders to consider becoming licensed foster parents.

Events to Promote Foster Care Awareness

Samaritas will host two impactful events in early June: one in Lansing on June 3 and another in Grand Rapids on June 7. These gatherings will offer a unique opportunity for attendees to hear directly from Boonstra about her deeply personal experiences as a foster parent. The events are designed not only to inform but also to inspire adults to take action and provide loving homes for vulnerable children.

Adults wishing to attend are encouraged to sign up for these free events. Registration can be completed online at samaritas.co/boonstratour or by calling 833-605-HOPE (4673).

Need for Foster Parents

Samaritas emphasizes the critical need for compassionate adults to join their mission, particularly those who can foster children from the marginalized groups, including young refugees. The reality is that children between the ages of 8 and 16 often face significant challenges in finding foster homes. This demographic is particularly vulnerable, as many may age out of the system without proper guidance, potentially facing issues such as homelessness, poverty, or even human trafficking.

Rachel Sykes, Vice President of Samaritas Family Services, highlighted the importance of support for these older children, saying, "Older children in the foster care system simply need someone who cares while they're experiencing serious difficulties at home."

Sykes adds that these children deserve stability, encouragement, and a safe environment in which to grow.

Understanding Foster Care

Foster care serves as a temporary intervention for children while their biological families work towards reunification. In cases where parental rights are terminated, children may become eligible for adoption, thus making the role of foster parents even more paramount in ensuring these kids experience a nurturing and supportive environment.

During National Foster Care Month, Samaritas is extending an invitation to both single and married adults to join in the upcoming events on June 3 and June 7 to explore the joys and responsibilities that come with fostering. The organization is also providing free virtual and one-on-one orientations for anyone interested in the foster care process, whether it's regarding refugee foster care, domestic foster care, or guidance on reinstating a lapsed foster care license.

Reach Out to Samaritas

Samaritas is dedicated to serving families throughout Michigan, boasting locations in Detroit, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, Lansing, and Kalamazoo. For additional information about how to embark on a foster care journey, people can visit Samaritas.org or call 833-605-HOPE (4673).

In closing, Laura Boonstra's heartfelt message encourages adults to take the first step in fostering, even when the entire path is not clear. As she puts it, "We're very ordinary people. We're not anyone special. It's okay to take a step, even if you can't see the whole path ahead of you."

By coming together, both Samaritas and Laura Boonstra aim to create a future where every child has the loving home they deserve.