Reno, Nev. May 8, 2024. The Washoe County Human Services Agency (HSA) is excited to announce, in partnership with the Washoe County Leadership Academy (WCLA), a NEW Foster Connect Program. The goal is to involve the business community in ways that will support hundreds of Washoe County’s foster families by offering exclusive discounts or services. Those interested in learning more about the NEW Foster Connect Program or wish to sign up, click the following link: Foster Connect – Have a Heart Washoe County.
HSA is honored to recognize May as Foster Care Month. Hundreds of foster parents are currently providing supportive, nurturing, and safe homes for children in care, and we thank those who have answered the call for their selfless sacrifice. However, there is still an immense need when it comes to helping provide for Washoe County’s youngest, most vulnerable population. Our community is facing a severe shortage of homes and families for more than 600 children in care. HSA is asking for the community to get involved by fostering, adopting, or mentoring, as part of our ongoing Have a Heart community outreach campaign.
“This is an important month to take a moment and say thank you to our amazing foster families in our community,” said HSA Children’s Division Director Steve McBride. “We have two very important goals throughout May: Appreciate our foster families for their incredible sacrifice and ask others to join us in providing a safe, secure, and healthy home for our children in care.”
Get Involved
- NEW Foster Connect Program! In partnership with the Washoe County Leadership Academy, HSA recently launched Foster Connect, a program for local businesses to offer exclusive discounts or services to foster families. Apply here: Foster Connect – Have a Heart Washoe County
- Show direct support for a foster family you know. Donate gift cards for gas, groceries, fun activities, landscaping, housekeeping.
- Connect with HSA staff to contribute to a “wishing well” for foster families when needs arise for vouchers, services, and activities for children.
- Help foster parents with sports and other extra-curricular activities for kids. Transport to and from games and practices. Aid in a child’s skills and development by mentoring, coaching, teaching and tutoring.
- Become a foster parent. Opportunities at HSA include foster care, respite, or emergency foster care.
Tag us on Twitter or Facebook @WashoeCounty by using #haveaheartwashoe to show us how you are supporting Washoe County’s foster families.
Learn more about becoming a foster parent the following ways:
- Love is Imperfect Video
- haveaheartwashoe.us
- haveaheartinfo@washeocounty.gov
- Call the Human Services Agency, (775) 337-4470.
The Washoe County Leadership Academy (WCLA) is a comprehensive nine-month program designed to immerse participants in the intricacies of local government while fostering community engagement. As part of the program curriculum, participants undertake a class project aimed at benefiting the community. The 2023-2024 WCLA class dedicated their efforts to addressing the needs of Washoe County Foster Care & Adoption Services, culminating in the inception of the Foster Connect Program.
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