Walk for Foster Care Awareness
May 21, 2010Athens County Children Services will host its second annual Walk for Foster Care Awareness on Friday, May 28th beginning at 2:30 pm.
Beginning at the Athens County Courthouse, the walkers will make their way to the front lawn of Athens County Children Services. Walkers will carry 120 flowers to represent the number of children and youth in foster care in Athens County. Organizers expect over 100 attendees at this year’s walk. There is no fee to participate, and the community is invited to join.
Says Independent Living caseworker Tracy Whitmore, “The purpose of the walk as a chance for the agency and most importantly, our foster youth to spread awareness of how important the foster care system is to many children's well being. The foster care system, although far from perfect, is a safety net for youth and children who are in crisis and unable to live at home. “
Once the group reaches the front lawn of Athens County Children Services, a planting ceremony of the 120 flowers will be held. Andrea Reik, Executive Director of Athens County Children Services, will say a few brief words before the flowers are planted. The flowers are being planted to symbolize the need for stable, strong roots for all children and youth in foster care.
Following the planting ceremony, walk attendees are invited to join Athens County Children Services staff as we celebrate the graduation from high school of many of our youth.
