On November 20, 2010, the NE Ohio Thanksgiving was held at Antioch Baptist Church in Cleveland. Here is a link to more photos.
Zelma Brown served as Lead Facilitator. Sponsors included: Cuyahoga County Children Services, Adoption Network Cleveland and Village Network.
State Senator Shirley Smith, Judge Michael J. Ryan, and Judge Patricia Ann Blackmon were in attendance.
2 comments:
Wow -- what a wonderful event!
How amazing is it that in attendance were:
- 61 foster care youth/alumni, from Cuyahoga, Lorain, Lucas, Summit and Stark Counties
- 2 foster parents
- 27 adult supporters
How wonderful is it that, among the attendees was a 62 year old former foster youth who had attended Antioch Baptist Church during her time in foster care? She hadn't been back since "aging out" of care at age 16, and she considered yesterday to be her homecoming?
How impressive were the talents of our foster care teens and emancipated youth? Singing, rapping, writing their own songs... Speaking from their hearts to encourage one another.
And how fantastic is that Cuyahoga County invested in sponsoring this event? Zelma has been tireless in her planning efforts. Joe Jackson is a joy to work with...
Every adult in that room, whether from Antioch Baptist Church or Cuyahoga County Children Services or Adoption Network Cleveland or the Purple Project was dedicated to providing the youth with a Thanksgiving dinner to remember, and reminding them that they are valuable - that they are worthy of love.
My heart is full...
Lisa Dickson
Communications Chair
Foster Care Alumni of America Ohio chapter
www.fcaa-oh.org
This event was featured on 19 Action News Cleveland... but I don't have copies of the footage :(
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