FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 28, 2019
Contact: Linda Ortiz Adoption Unit 845-364-3521
                Beatrice Prophete Home Finding Unit 845-364-3527

Rockland County Needs Foster Families

New City, NY, - Rockland County Executive Ed Day and Commissioner of Social Services Joan Silvestri announced that staff from the Rockland County Department of Social Services' (DSS) Children's Services Unit will join with local Wendy's franchisees to celebrate National Adoption Month and to increase awareness of the need for foster families. For the eighth year in a row, staff will be available at Wendy's restaurants in Nanuet and West Haverstraw to answer questions from residents interested in becoming foster/adoptive parents.

Residents interested in finding out more about becoming a foster parent can stop by Wendy's in Nanuet or West Haverstraw on Wednesday, November 13, 2019, from 4 pm to 7 pm.

Wendy's Nanuet, 90 E Route 59, Nanuet, NY
Wendy's West Haverstraw, 125 Route 9W, West Haverstraw, NY

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 restaurants throughout the United States provide free meals to adoptive families during National Adoption Month in honor of Dave Thomas. In Rockland County, Wendy's Franchisees Kevin Woodside and Phillip Anastos carry on Dave Thomas' legacy with their continued support of adoption.

"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 Commissioner Silvestri.

Foster home recruitment is a key element to the success of adoptions in our County. In 95% of cases, adoptive parents have been the child's foster family. Over the past seven years, more than 65 children had their adoptions finalized and were adopted by their foster families. Additional information is available by contacting Linda Ortiz Adoption Unit Senior Caseworker at 845-364-3521 or Beatrice Prophete Home Finding Unit Senior Caseworker at 845-364-3527.

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