Agency’s adoption program receives MDHHS award
Farmington Hills, MI – November is National Adoption Month, and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed Tuesday, November 26 as Adoption Day in the state.
The non-profit human services agency Judson Center, which offers adoption services through its statewide Michigan Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE) program, is celebrating by granting 30 wishes for 30 outstanding adoptive families who have provided permanent homes for children and teens in foster care.
“We commend these adoptive families for opening their hearts and homes to children in the foster care system,” said Judson Center President and CEO Lenora Hardy-Foster. “Judson Center’s mission is rooted in adoption and foster care, dating back 100 years ago when we were founded as the Detroit Baptist Children’s Home. A group of Baptist ministers wanted to do good for children in the community, and they opened the doors as an orphanage for boys and girls in 1924. We remain true to that purpose to this day.”
As part of the Adoption Month observance, one family is honored each day on MARE’s Facebook page, and the stories of all 30 families are posted at www.mare.org/MI-Adoption-Day.
“Each of the selected families gets a wish granted with a value of up to $200,” explained MARE Director Michelle Parra. “These include things like movie tickets, gift certificates for dinner, passes for recreational activities, or school and art supplies. We are happy to help in any way that we can and provide lasting memories for the families.”
Judson Center’s MARE program is an information and referral service for families interested in adopting youth in foster care and serves as a resource for adoption workers looking for homes for children. MARE is funded through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). The program recently received the 2024 Child Welfare Team Excellence Award from MDHHS for its outstanding commitment to Michigan’s children and families.
“This award is a testament to their (MARE’s) unwavering commitment, innovative spirit, and exceptional teamwork that has led to numerous successful adoptions and set new standards in targeted recruitment for children needing adoptive homes,” said Rachel Willis, MDHHS Director of the Bureau of Out of Home Services, during the award presentation.
“We are extremely honored to be recognized for our adoption services in the state,” said Judson Center Chief Strategy Officer George Winn. “Our team is committed to making a difference in the lives of the children and families we serve. Through MARE, we provide prospective adoptive families with all the information and resources they need in their journey to adopting a young person in foster care.”
According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), there are approximately 10,000 children and teens in the state’s foster care system, and every year about 2,000 of them are ready and waiting to join their forever families.
“Although the goal of foster care is to reunite children with their biological parents, that isn’t always possible,” said Michelle Carlton, Judson Center’s Director of Foster Care and Adoption. “We have an urgent need for caring families to take in these young people. Every child deserves a stable, loving, permanent home.”
Courts participating in Michigan Adoption Day on November 26 will finalize adoptions, hold special events for adoptive families, and provide educational materials on the adoption process. Anyone interested in adopting youth in foster care can contact MARE at 800-589-6273 or visit www.mare.org.
About Judson Center
Judson Center, trusted by Michigan families for 100 years, is a non-profit human service agency providing expert, comprehensive services that strengthen children, adults and families impacted by abuse and neglect, autism, and developmental, behavioral and physical health challenges so they can achieve whole health, well-being, and maximum potential. Judson Center also offers integrated primary healthcare for all through Judson Center Health in Warren and is a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC). Since opening its doors in 1924, Judson Center has grown to change the lives of more than 13,000 children, adults, and families each year. Judson Center has offices in Genesee, Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties. As part of our centennial celebration, Judson Center has launched the “Where Care Is An Art” awareness campaign, which uses artwork to illustrate the inspirational and emotional stories of our clients. Judson Center’s headquarters are located at 30301 Northwestern Highway, Suite 100, Farmington Hills, MI 48334-3277. Learn more at www.judsoncenter.org.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Daphne Hughes, Hughes Creative, LLC
248.417.4309, daphne@hughescreativellc.com
Scott Trudell, Chief Development Officer, Judson Center
313.283.1055, Scott_Trudell@JudsonCenter.org