Foster Parent Banquet 2009
Heroes are who you call when you’re in trouble. Some of them fly through the air like a speeding bullet. Some leap tall buildings with a single bound while others weave spider webs to entrap their foes.
But when your world is torn apart because of abuse and neglect, the heroes you long for are simply called foster parents. To honor these inspiring real-life heroes, the Franklin County Foster Parent Association and Children Services recently hosted the 45th annual Foster Parent Appreciation Banquet, emceed by 2002 Championship Ohio State Football Player, Maurice Hall. Click here for more photos.
2009 Foster Parent of the Year - Venise Sullivan
When others were perplexed and had almost given up on a child, it was Venise Sullivan who helped her work past her fears and not only survive, but thrive. One of eight siblings abandoned by her birth mother, a little girl came to the Sullivan home from the Rosemont Treatment Center. Coupled with issues of low self-esteem, educational neglect and destructive behavior, it was thought that either a treatment foster home or an institutional placement might be the only options. But when no treatment home could be identified, Sullivan, who is a traditional foster home, took her in. The little girl recently shared with her worker, that living with “Yeda”, the name she affectionately calls Sullivan, is the only place where she has felt part of a family. According to her foster care worker, this is the experience that every child placed with Sullivan is privileged to have.
East Region Foster Parent of the Year
A foster parent for only two years, Phyllis Moore has opened her heart and home to more than 16 placements. Society tends to shy away from caring for teen foster children, but not Moore. Her heroic strength and wisdom has helped her teenage foster children become independent and responsible, while nurturing them along the way. Her exemplary care extends to children of all ages. That includes a failure to thrive 6-month-old baby who only weighed 11 pounds when placed in her home. She not only works well with her foster children, but she reaches out to their birth families as well. When we speak of “Protecting Children by Strengthening Families,” Phyllis Moore is certainly on board with this principle.
West Region Foster Parents of the Year
New to the world of foster parenting, Shelly McConnell and Tammi Woods were licensed just three months when two sisters, ages 3 and 1, were placed with them. Ten months later, they also took in the girls’ infant brother. Within two months of her placement, the toddler knew her primary colors, could count from one to ten and was able to tell her full name. Respectful and supportive of their foster kids’ birth family, McConnell and Woods have worked harmoniously with their birth mom, encouraging phone calls between visits and offering their full support when the girls’ baby brother, was born. As one Children Services caseworker put it, “I see the effects of the love, consistency and nurturing provided by Tammi and Shelly on the three children placed in their home. I see improved behaviors and cognitive development. I also see how each child lights up when praised for even the smallest accomplishment. Tammi and Shelly have definitely made a difference.”
“New” Foster Family of the Year
What makes a hero? One description is dedication. Although away on a family outing, Mike and Katrina Sheely received a call that a sibling group of three, ages 7, 3, and 7 months needed an emergency placement. Without hesitation, the Sheelys interrupted their plans, and came home early to accept the children.
Licensed for just over a year, the Sheelys also demonstrate dedication by their constant communication with the school, caseworkers and foster care workers to ensure the children’s needs are being met. The Sheelys are not only involved in their children’s lives but they also strive to keep the birth family connected. Katrina e-mails the birth parents all the doctor’s appointments and school evaluations so that the birth parents can attend as well. For their love, nurturance, dedication and involvement, we honor Mike and Katrina Sheely as our new foster parents of the year!
East Region Foster Family Recognized
When a premature, drug exposed infant needed a foster placement, Lagrieta Holloway did not concentrate on the late nights or withdrawal symptoms that can take their toll on even the most patient. Holloway instead focused on the little girl, a budding seed who needed her extra care and nurturance in order to bloom. Holloway has also been extremely engaged with the birth family, even putting a camera in the diaper bag, so family photos can be taken during visits.
For her ability to see beyond the struggles and to consider what is best for the child, we honor Lagrieta Holloway as Honorable Mention for East Region Foster Family of the Year.
West Region Foster Parent Recognized
A foster parent since 2007, Lisa Stull has made a hero’s difference in the life of the child she fosters. The child she fosters was her first placement, five months old at the time, and came into her home with some serious medical concerns. He had suffered greatly at the hands of relatives. Doctors labeled him a battered child because of multiple fractures, bruises, and second-degree burns. In addition, he was underweight. Ms. Stull made sure the child was at all of his many medical appointments, and even researched and linked him with additional services. She worked hard to include the mother in his medical appointments and school progress. Stull has demonstrated that being a good foster parent includes helping a child reach his potential, developing a relationship with the birth parents, and helping biological families strengthen their connections to one another. We are pleased to honor Lisa Stull as runner up for West Region Foster Parent of the Year.
