ATLANTA, GA – The Georgia Division of Family & Children Services honored several families as Foster Caregivers of the Year during an appreciation luncheon and awards ceremony on May 20 in Atlanta.

“We are grateful for all of Georgia’s foster parents for opening their homes and hearts to children in need,” said Division Director Tom C. Rawlings. “Our Foster Caregivers of the Year, however, deserve special recognition because they consistently go above and beyond what we ask of caregivers.”

Honorees include:

  • Helen Kincaid, Murray County
  • Jose and Paula Bachman, Union County
  • Cassie Laminack, Haralson County
  • Daniel and Jennifer Nolder, Coweta County
  • Robert Daggett, Clarke County
  • Daniel and Laura Wright, Jones County
  • Thelma Ivey, Warren County
  • Maleny Marquez, Muscogee County
  • Michael and Barbara McBroom, Jeff Davis County
  • Timothy and Paula Harbin, Colquitt County
  • Jim and Erma Barnett, Tift County
  • Carolyn Tabor, Camden County
  • Gracie Kennard, Gwinnett County
  • Stephen and Cynthia Wagner, Fulton County

The awards program is part of National Foster Care Month, an occasion to recognize that everyone can be a part of enhancing the lives of children and youth in foster care by either becoming a caregiver or supporting foster parents. The theme for this year’s National Foster Care Month is “Foster Care as a Support to Families, Not a Substitute for Parents.”

To learn more about becoming a foster parent, or ways to support them, call 1-877-210-KIDS or visit www.fostergeorgia.com. Interested individuals will undergo background checks and pre-service training to help them enhance their skills for parenting and nurturing children.