(From the United Way of Hancock County)

New and prospective foster families will be connected to local resources, advocates and those with lived experience at an upcoming event called Open Hearts, Open Homes.

The event will take place from 6-7:30 p.m. Aug. 2 at Hilton Garden Inn. It is being organized by Fostering Hancock County, comprised of representatives from Hancock County Job & Family Services, YWCA and United Way of Hancock County.

Job & Family Services Director Randall Galbraith said the state of Ohio and Hancock County in particular are experiencing a shortfall in the number of foster homes available to care for youth in the custody of children’s services agencies. This event was designed to address this shortfall by bridging new and potential foster families with essential resources to help them get started on their journey to foster care.

“Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of foster parents in Ohio has experienced a catastrophic decrease,” Galbraith said. “Locally, this has led Hancock County Job & Family Services to place children in our custody wherever we can find a willing home, often far outside of Hancock County, the child’s family, friends, and school. Our mission with this event is to educate and inspire families in Hancock County to open their homes to these youth.”

The evening’s presenters — both children and adults — have lived-experience in the foster system and will be available after the program to answer questions.

Attendance for those who are interested in becoming a foster family is complimentary, provided through community sponsorships.

Sponsorships are available for an individual seat ($35) or a table of six ($210). When making a sponsorship, individuals will have the option of choosing to attend the event themselves, or of simply sponsoring a seat or table for others.

To register as a potential foster family, click here.

To make a sponsorship, click here.