Hearst, Kapuskasing, Moonbeam, Smooth Rock Falls, Cochrane, Iroquois Falls, Matheson,
Timmins, Kirkland Lake, Englehart, New Liskeard, North Cobalt
Highlighting the need for foster homes and volunteers, North Eastern Ontario Family and Children’s Services (NEOFACS) launched the third Annual Snowman Campaign on Monday, February 8th, 2016.
The campaign brings awareness to the ongoing need for foster families and volunteers to support the 200 children and youth who reside in foster care or receive services from volunteers at NEFOACS.
“Our volunteers make it possible for our children and youth to participate in after school sports activities, art programs, visits with family members, and much more. Volunteers also lend a helping hand by providing child care so caregivers can attend groups and classes to build parenting skills. Volunteers also take on the role of mentor to our youth." says Kelly O’Reilly, Volunteer Services Coordinator.
Currently, NEOFACS has 62 foster homes who provide quality care to the children and youth who reside in their home. They provide love, support and structure on a daily basis. Our goal for 2016 is to increase the number of approved foster homes by 10%.
“Our foster care families open their homes and hearts to children during a time in their life where love and support is most needed.” says Johanne Comeau, Foster Care Worker.
Since 2014, the Annual Snowman Campaigns have benefitted from community supporters building snowmen to represent the number of children and youth impacted by the efforts of foster parents and volunteers. Hundreds of snowmen decorated homes, community parks, school playgrounds and Agency campus locations. Communities throughout our service area of the Districts of Cochrane and Timiskaming have responded overwhelmingly in response to the call for support, and hundreds upon hundreds of snowmen were created.
This year’s campaign aims to personalize the snowmen. The uniqueness of each snowman is significant; it represents the foster parent or volunteer's talents and experience as well as the child or youth's unique needs. To that end, materials to support the campaign showcase the different roles of foster parents and volunteers.
Although large-scale snowman build activities are not a part of the 2016 campaign plan, community partners are encouraged to build snowmen in recognition of foster parents and volunteers as a sign of awareness and appreciation for their efforts in making our community better. Pictures of the snowmen can be shared on NEOFACS’s Facebook page by submitting via email to info@neofacs.org.
There are children and youth in our community who could benefit from foster homes and volunteers. Make a difference in our community; consider fostering or volunteering. Contact NEOFACS to learn more today at 705-360-7100 or on the web at https://www.neofacs.org.
If you would like more information, please contact:
Richard Lambert Bélanger
Executive Director, NEOFACS
705-360-7100
Media Contact:
Brooke Ballantyne,
Communications Coordinator, NEOFACS
705-360-7100 ext 5217
