FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 26, 2020

Contact:

Linda Ortiz, Adoption Unit 845-364-3521

Beatrice Prophete, Home Finding Unit 845-364-3527

Demetrius Travis, Home Finding Unit 845-364-2198

Rockland County is Looking for Foster Families

New City, NY, - Each November, staff from the Rockland County Department of Social Services’ (DSS) Children’s Services Unit, join with local Wendy’s locations to celebrate National Adoption Month and to increase awareness of the need for foster families. This will be the ninth year in a row that Wendy’s in Nanuet and West Haverstraw will be collaborating with Rockland County DSS.

This year, the adoption celebration will be held on November 18, 2020. Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, modifications have been made for this event. Rockland County Adoptive families will pick up their food from either the Wendy’s in Nanuet or West Haverstraw. On that day, the families will also participate in a virtual support group regarding self-care; the session will be facilitated by Trudy Kent, MSW. Mrs. Kent is a Rockland County adoptive parent, as well as a Family Support Worker at the Adoptive and Foster Family Coalition of New York. Informational sessions regarding how to become a foster parent in Rockland County will also be held virtually by the Rockland County DSS Home Finding Unit; the sessions will take place from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM and from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

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 celebrate 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.

Foster home recruitment is a key element to the success of adoptions in Rockland. In 95% of cases, the adoptive parents have been the child’s foster family. Over the past eight years, around 70 children have had their adoptions finalized and were adopted by their foster families.

“We are grateful to Wendy’s for partnering with us for the ninth consecutive year to raise awareness of the number of children in our community who are waiting for loving and caring homes and to recognize the tireless efforts and compassion of our adoptive and foster care parents,” said Joan Silvestri, Commissioner of the Department of Social Services.

“Fostering a child is an opportunity to make a real difference in a young person’s life,” said County Executive Ed Day. “It is truly a special gift for both you and the child and I urge anyone who has ever thought of being a foster parent to give us a call and get more information.”

Individuals interested in additional information or in attending the info sessions should contact Linda Ortiz, Adoption Unit Senior Caseworker at 845-364-3521, Beatrice Prophete, Home Finding Unit Senior Caseworker at 845-364-3527 or Demetrius Travis, Home Finding Unit Senior Caseworker at 845-364-2198.

# # #

Follow us on Twitter: @rocklandgov
Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/rocklandcountyny
Like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/rocklandgov
Visit our website: rocklandgov.com