Page 3 - 2025 Summer Our Hands

Family Preservation
Foster Care
Independent Living Plus
Adoption

Throughout May, Samaritas actively promoted Foster
Care Awareness Month, highlighting the critical need for
foster parents and sharing impactful stories from the
community.

Highlights from Foster Care Awareness Month
Community Engagement:
Samaritas encouraged individuals to Say Yes to Foster
Care, urging supporters to spread the word and raise
awareness about the need of foster parents.
Support for Foster Parents:
The organization held a contest to give one lucky family
an all expense paid trip to Zehnder’s Splash Village.
Foster families could enter the contest by sharing their
stories, and after a few rounds of voting, the top 5
families’ entries got shared to Facebook for a public vote.
Sharing Personal Stories:
Throughout Foster Care Awareness Month, Samaritas
shared powerful stories of individuals and families who
have transformed lives through their compassion and
commitment. From Jessica’s bonding over morning
coffee with a preteen, to Stephanie’s decision to foster
sibling groups, to the Jordan family’s adoption journey
and Pat’s emphasis on nurturing care, each story
illustrates how foster parenting is about far more than just
providing a home. These narratives highlight the
everyday love, stability, and resilience that create lasting
impact, inspiring others to step forward and support
children in need. Read the full stories at
samaritas.org/Foster-Care-Month

Congratulations to Stephanie and family
from Detroit (pictured above) for winning
the Zehnders Splash Village contest!

We are proud to share that our own Jennifer Williams

has been awarded the Guy Thompson Champion for
Reunification Award!

This well-deserved recognition honors Jen’s unwavering
dedication, compassion, and commitment to strengthening
families and supporting them in their homes and communities.
Her impact on the lives of children and families is both
powerful and lasting, and this award is a true reflection of the
excellence and heart she brings to every case.

Congratulations, Jen. Thank you for being a true champion.