FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 10, 2017

Contact: Caren Pane, Adoption Unit (845) 364-3596

Rockland County Celebrates Foster and Adoptive Families

NEW CITY, NY – Each November, staff from the Rockland County Department of Social Services Children's Services Unit join with local Wendy's to celebrate National Adoption Month by increasing awareness about the need for foster and adoptive families.

For the sixth year, staff will be at Wendy's in Nanuet and West Haverstraw from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Nov. 15 to celebrate Rockland County DSS Foster and Adoptive families and to answer questions from residents interested in becoming foster or adoptive parents.

"This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about foster care and to see if your family can make a huge difference in the life of a child who does not have parents able to care for him or her," said Rockland County Executive Ed Day.

Foster home recruitment is a key element to the success of adoptions in Rockland County. In 95 percent of cases, adoptive parents have been the child's foster family.

Over the past five years, more than 50 children in Rockland had their adoptions finalized and were adopted by their foster families.

Wendy's founder Dave Thomas was adopted and spent much of his life promoting the cause of adoption. He founded the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption based on his belief that every child deserves a loving home.
Wendy's franchisees in Nanuet and West Haverstraw carry on Dave Thomas' legacy with their continued support of adoption.

Many local Wendy's throughout the United States have also provided free meals to adoptive families in the past in honor of Dave Thomas.

"We are grateful to Wendy's for partnering with us to not only recognize the compassion and tireless efforts of adoptive parents, but also to raise awareness of the number of children in our community who are waiting for loving and caring homes," said Joan M. Silvestri, Rockland County Commissioner of Social Services.

If you are interested in finding out more about becoming a foster or adoptive parent, please stop by Wendy's in Nanuet or West Haverstraw on Wednesday, Nov. 15 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Additional information is available by calling Caren Pane, Adoption Specialist at 845-364-3596.