Each spring, KVC Kansas hosts appreciation picnics in and around the month of May, which is National Foster Care Month, to recognize and honor foster parents. This year’s celebrations took place in six locations across the state – Kansas City, Olathe, Topeka, Lawrence, Salina and Wichita.

Over 120 foster families attended the events and enjoyed food and fun activities in the various locations. In Topeka, foster families were entertained by a disc dog show; Olathe families enjoyed inflatable bounces houses; and a fire truck came to the event in Kansas City for guests to tour.

Jackie Harwig is the Lead Community Resource Specialist for KVC Kansas and helps coordinate these events each year. “Our foster parents are imperative to the work we do. They open their hearts and homes to children in need. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to successfully serve families in crisis. These events celebrate the hard work they do day-in and day-out and are our way of showing them our appreciation.”

Thank you to all of our foster parents across the state for being an important partner in helping children, youth and families! 

Click through this slideshow to see photos from these events:

It takes a special calling to be a foster parent, and everyone can do something to help children and youth in foster care. If you’re ready to make a difference in the life of a child, find out how to become a foster parent today!

If fostering doesn’t work in your life right now, there are several different ways you can help a child without becoming a foster parent. You can also make a difference by making a donation or volunteering. Subscribe to our blog to get the latest KVC news (in right sidebar), and follow us on Facebook and Twitter!