From Stephen Hug
Family Service of Rhode Island has kicked off the “We Take Pride in All Families”
campaign to raise awareness that LGBTQ foster parents are needed to provide
loving homes for children in need.
“We are holding this press conference to
heighten awareness that LGBTQ individuals and couples can be and are foster
parents,” said Family Service of Rhode Island CEO Margaret Holland
McDuff. “Our recruitment campaign is called ‘We
Take Pride in All Families’ and we are hoping that more LGBTQ Rhode Islanders
will feel encouraged to open their hearts and homes to children in need.
LGBTQ families are a valued and vital part of our community.”
The press conference was held at Blaze
Restaurant on Hope Street in Providence on Thursday, November 6 at 1 p.m.
“We are pleased to support Family Service of Rhode Island in the ‘We Take Pride
in All Families’ campaign,” said Phyllis Arffa, co-owner of Blaze. “My
partner and I know firsthand that this message needs to get out there to LGBTQ
Rhode Islanders that they are truly welcome and needed.”
Michael Leighton and Marc Fernandes, of
Providence, who are foster parents to two young children, said the “We Take
Pride in All Families” campaign is needed to let the LGBTQ community know that
“the welcome mat is out” for them.
“We became foster parents because we
felt there was something missing in the lives we have been building together
over the past decade,” said Mr. Leighton, 46. He noted that the couple
owns a house in Providence, is getting married in January, and hopes to
eventually adopt the two children currently in their care. “We hope to
help remove any stigma out there regarding LGBTQ foster parents, and raise awareness
that not only are LGBTQ individuals and couples wanted, but are greatly
needed.”
He added that they have experienced
nothing but community support and acceptance about the fact that the children
“have two daddies.”
“Thank you Family Service of Rhode Island for
creating the ‘We Take Pride in All Families’ campaign," said Kerri
Kanelos, executive director at Youth Pride Inc. "Raising awareness that
LGBTQ individuals and couples are needed and valued as foster parents is an
important step in finding loving homes for children in need.”
Anyone interested in learning more about
becoming a foster parent should contact Greg Wright at 401-331-1350 ext. 3305, wrightgr@familyserviceri.org.
More information is also available at www.familyserviceri.org.
An information open house about becoming
a foster parent will take place on Wednesday, November 19 from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
at Family Service of Rhode Island’s office at 134 Thurbers Avenue, Providence.
Family Service of Rhode Island is a
statewide human service and education agency.