Search underway in Timmins area for Foster families

Searching for foster homes in the Timmins area It is Foster Family Appreciation Week and the Northeastern Ontario Family and Children's Services is recruiting foster parents.

The third week in October is Foster Family Appreciation Week and in Timmins, the North Eastern Ontario Family and Children's Services (NEOFACS) is showing appreciation to its foster families with a barbecue.

The event, hosted at Johnson’s Your Independent Grocer, is also a fundraiser for the Timmins Food Bank.

Foster BBQ1 A Barbecue kicked off Foster Family Appreciation Week in Timmins. North Eastern Ontario Family and Children's Services and the Foster Families Association Ontario North-East teamed up to host the event which is also a fundraiser in support of the Timmins Food Bank. (Lydia Chubak/CTV News Northern Ontario).

Hot dogs, hamburgers and beverages were available for purchase by donation.

“We’re in dire need of foster homes in the area. We’re always looking for families to contact the agency and put their names forward to support children and families ... from Hearst to New Liskeard-Cobalt," said Joel Van Dyk, a foster parent support worker with NEOFACS.

Eugene St Jean, the vice president of the Foster Families Association Ontario North-East, has been a foster parent for a number of years and also understands food banks also need help.

“Besides groceries, we can’t stress enough that we also need personal care items like soaps, detergents,” St Jean told CTV News.

“You know when people are struggling it’s a choice between putting food on the table or having enough cleaning supplies, you know and it’s hard for people to have to make those decisions."

Anyone who's been thinking about becoming a foster parent can get the process started with a simple phone call or email to NEOFACS.

St Jean said it is rewarding to see the children he has looked after learn to cope with their traumas.

"To see them prosper and thrive is rewarding in itself."

North Eastern Ontario Family and Children's Services is looking for: families, single adults, retired couples or young couples wanting to start a family. They need the kinds of people willing to open their homes and hearts to kids 16 and under who are in need. Training is also provided as well as monthly check-ins.

“We don’t have a specific mold; we’re just looking for people to love and support," added Van Dyk.

“Caring for kids is our collective responsibility so we want to let our community know that help is available and no one is alone,” NEOFACS said in a recent social media post.

To learn more about fostering with NEOFACS visit their website and to stay up-to-date with their upcoming events follow their Facebook page.