Georgia DFCS honors foster families virtually

Since 2016, the Division of Family & Children Services has had the privilege of honoring a total of 92 families across Georgia for their efforts to help us build Stronger Families for a Stronger Georgia! Some have fostered more than 300 children over a number of years, while others have served as foster parents for more than three decades.

Each year, Division staff nominate outstanding foster caregivers who exemplify what it means to go beyond the call of duty. These individuals not only provide a safe home for children in their care, but they also preserve connections with birth families, support reunification and help recruit other foster caregivers.

This year’s theme for National Foster Care Month is, "foster care as a support to families, not a substitute for parents." This theme highlights foster families’ role in supporting family well-being and reunification.

Our 23 honorees demonstrate their commitment to these principles by partnering with the Division to put children and families first. Each winner strengthens children and families by providing safe and healthy environments for those in care. While we will not have the pleasure of coming together during our Annual Luncheon this year, please join us in honoring the finalists from each region and partnering Child Placement Agency:  

Stephen and Karen Holloway 

Region: 1 | Gordon County 

John and Cassie Adams 

Region: 2 | Hall County  

Kevin and Rachel Puryear 

Region: 3 | Floyd County   

Steven and Melissa Beam 

Region: 4 | Carroll County   

Michael and Chris Bulls 

Region: 5 | Jackson County 

Brain and Amanda Collins 

Region: 6 | Jones County 

Willie Mae Walker 

Region: 7 | Burke County 

James and Linda Mathis 

Region: 8 | Marion County 

Sheila Knox 

Region: 9 | Jeff Davis County   

James and Kathy Chatmon 

Region: 10 | Thomas County  

Suzanne Griffin 

Region: 11 | Turner County 

Ronald and Carol Gay 

Region: 12 |Glynn County 

Jaqueline Cooper 

Region: 13 | Clayton County  

Paula Holloway 

Region: 14 | Fulton County 

HOPE Builder Award Nominees 

Preserving Sibling Connections:  James and Larita Burke | Region 1 | Chattooga County  

Service to Older Youth:  James and Lashawn Nave| Region 13 | Gwinnett County  

Partnership MVP: Jack and Phyllis Endres | Region 7 | Columbia County  

Faith and Community Partnership:  Derrick and April Hobbs) | Region 1 | Murray County  

Faithful Service:  Pat Waller | Region 3 | Polk County 

Child Placement Agency Families

Multi-Agency Alliance for Children - Elks Aidmore | Marlene Oliver 

Family Focused Treatment Association - Community Connections | Aaron and Shakeema Brown   

Together Georgia – Goshen Homes | Scott and Sandi Gaither