Proclaiming the Month of May 2010 as "May is National Foster Care Month."

The City Council of Philadelphia designates the Month of May 2010 as “May is National Foster Care Month” in Philadelphia and encourages all to participate in Foster Care and remember that you can change a lifetime

.

WHEREAS

, All children — including the 463,000 American children and youth in foster care deserve a safe and happy life; and

WHEREAS

, Young people, especially those in foster care need nurturing adults on their side because their own families are in crisis and unable to care for them; and

WHEREAS

, Each May, we salute the compassionate people who make a difference by serving as foster parents, relative caregivers, mentors, advocates, social workers, and volunteers; and

WHEREAS

, Thanks to these unsung heroes, many formerly abused or neglected children and teens will safely reunite with their parents, be cared for by relatives, or be adopted by loving families; and

WHEREAS

, Most communities across the country are urgently seeking more everyday people to help these youth overcome their troubled childhoods and realize their full potential; and

WHEREAS

, No matter what their age, every young person in foster care benefits from a meaningful connection to a caring adult who becomes a supportive and lasting presence in his or her life; and

WHEREAS

, Success stories come about when someone takes the time to offer comfort, provide support, give advice, or simply share a milestone moment with a youngster enduring a difficult family situation; and

WHEREAS

,

Now is the time to get involved.

No matter how much time you have to give, you have the power to do something positive that will Change a Lifetime for a young person in foster care.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA,

That Philadelphia designates the Month of May 2010 as “May is National Foster Care Month” in Philadelphia.

FURTHER RESOLVED,

That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Annie Duncan as further evidencing the sincere admiration and gratitude of this legislative body.

End