(L to R): The Wood family: Jailisa, 11; Denise; and Nyasha Wood, 7.

POMPANO BEACH, FL – Families, children and advocates gathered recently to celebrate National Adoption Month at the annual Family Fall Festival. Hosted by ChildNet, the community-based care lead agency in Broward and Palm Beach counties, and Omega Psi Phi fraternity’s Eta Nu chapter, the adoption picnic celebrated Broward County families who have recently finalized adoptions, provided prospective adoptive parents and children the opportunity to bond and helped raise awareness of the need for more loving, caring adoptive parents in the local community.

“On behalf of ChildNet, I want to thank everyone, including our very dedicated staff, who helped make Family Fall Festival a great success,” said Emilio Benitez, ChildNet president and CEO. “Most importantly, though, a special thanks goes to Omega Psi Phi fraternity who has been an invaluable partner for the past 25 years and ally in our celebration of adoption and families. We are eternally grateful for their support in helping to create more forever families in the local community.”

The event featured pumpkin decorating, sand art, face painting, team games, bounce houses, group sports for the kids and more. The “brothers” of Omega Psi Phi, who have organized Family Fall Festival for more than two decades, provided musical entertainment, as well as a variety of food that they barbecued on-site.

“We’re in a position in the community to give back in the name of service,” said Clifford Wimberly, Eta Nu chapter of Omega Psi Phi fraternity. “Having hosted this event for more than 25 years, we’ve had the opportunity to see kids grow up. We’re very proud to be able to partner with an organization like ChildNet to give back through an event that’s both positive and uplifting.”

It was a touching day for many families who shared their amazing success stories.

Adoptive parents Janet and Paul Remy also attended the event. After raising two biological children, the Remy’s became foster parents, adopting a sibling group of six children. Paul, who was born into a family of 13 children, wanted to reunite and keep the siblings together.

“I’m from a large, very loving family that I wanted to be able to share with children who weren’t as fortunate,” said Paul. “We treat our adoptive children as if they’re our own,” Janet added. “Everybody is family in our home.”

Officials say there is still a great need for adoptive parents in Broward County.

As the single private non-profit entity responsible for administration of the local child welfare systems in Broward and Palm Beach counties, ChildNet continues to bring years of dedication to protecting abused, abandoned and neglected children in the communities it serves.  

For more information about becoming a foster or adoptive parent, call ChildNet in Broward County at 954-414-6000. Visit www.ChildNet.us and www.facebook.com/ChildNet.