Marsh Foundation honors foster parents

Marsh Foundation information

One of the most meaningful things you can do in life to help a child is to become a foster parent. Recently, The Marsh Foundation honored several families who’ve done just that. The annual Foster Parent Appreciation Dinner was held at The Marsh Hotel in downtown Van Wert. May is Foster Care Appreciation Month.

Several new families were acknowledged for joining The Marsh foster care team. In addition, three families received their new licenses for the very first time. The Fryer family was also recognized for their years of service. After seven years of fostering, Brad and Shana are retiring this summer. Their dedication and service is very much appreciated.

Time was also spent honoring Faye Lepper, a dedicated and loved foster mother who passed away unexpectedly in a car accident in January. Her son, Paul, was in attendance and was presented with a plaque in memory of his mother, who served more than 60 children in her home during her time with The Marsh.

“Our foster parents are much appreciated for their hard work and the care that they provide every day for our children,” said Laura Beckett-Avery, foster care supervisor. “As our foster care division continues to grow, foster parents are badly needed to provide children in need with wonderful families.”

The Marsh Foundation in Van Wert offers a continuum of care that includes a Foster Care Program. Last year, more than 100 children were turned away from our program because of a lack of foster homes. The Marsh believes that all children have the right to love, protection and to be cared for a by a committed family. If you have an interest in becoming a foster parent, please call 419.238.KIDS for more information or visit www.marshfoundation.org/helpkids.

All foster parents go through extensive training before a child is placed and are required to undergo continuing training to maintain their license. Foster parents can be married couples or single individuals. Consultants are assigned to each foster parent and are available 24 hours, seven days a week. They help create the youth’s treatment plan, offer support and are available in crisis situations. Foster parents are substantially reimbursed for costs associated with caring for a foster child.

The Marsh Foundation is a not-for-profit children’s services agency that provides behavioral treatment in a variety of settings. Services include group homes, foster care, an intensive treatment program and independent living. Located in Van Wert, Ohio, the organization’s group homes are licensed for up to 30 children ages 7-17, offers an on-campus school for grades 2-12 and provides a variety of clinical services to group home residents, foster care children and community members.