Published on June 16, 2023
The Weld County Department of Human Services held a special “Foster and Kinship Appreciation Summer BBQ” event on Tuesday, June 13 to thank and recognize the families in the community who have opened their homes to provide care and love to area children.
The event took place at the Island Grove Regional Park in Greeley, and in addition to a barbecue dinner, families were given the opportunity to play games and engage in a variety of activities such as cornhole, creating sidewalk chalk art, and face painting. The Greeley Police Department and Greeley Fire Department were also on hand, showing excited kids around a police cruiser and three different fire engines.
Jamie Ulrich, the Director of Human Services for Weld County, and Weld County Commissioners Lori Saine and Perry Buck were among the speakers who provided words of appreciation and encouragement for these incredible families. “We are so grateful for you being in the Weld County family, and to be fighting that wonderful battle for our children,” said Commissioner Saine. “Thank so very much from the bottom of my heart.”
Research has shown that the resilience of children and youth is directly proportional to the number of healthy and safe relationships they have in their lives, and the role of kinship and foster families in helping children in the Weld community gives them the opportunity to thrive.
Coming on the heels of May, which was proclaimed Foster Care Month in Weld County, this event provided another opportunity to reiterate how important foster and kinship families truly are. If you or someone you know is interested in finding out more about how to become a foster family, please visit https://www.weld.gov/Government/Departments/Human-Services/Foster-Care.