BROWARD COUNTY – Families, children and advocates gathered recently to kick off National Adoption Month in November during 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 annual picnic celebrated Broward County families who have recently finalized adoptions the opportunity to bond.
(L to R): The De Jong family: Terri, Samuel, Jack and Sarah
"We are grateful to everyone here, including our dedicated staff, that has helped make our Fall Festival a huge success every year," said Elizabeth Wynter, director of community relations for ChildNet. "The support and spirit that the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity brings to this picnic is invaluable. They have helped us create an event where families and children can come together and raise awareness about the need for more adoptive parents."
The local Pompano Beach Fire Rescue Team was also on site to participate with the children and families who enjoyed pumpkin decorating, sand art, face painting, team games, and bounce houses. Musical entertainment and an array of food barbequed on-site were provided by the "brothers" of Omega Psi Phi, a fraternity founded at Howard University in 1911 that has hosted the Fall Festival for more than two decades.
"We come together every year to host this event with ChildNet without a single hesitation," said Melvin Davis, president of the Eta Nu chapter of Omega Psi Phi. "Our partnership allows so many great people to come together and share stories of how adoption has changed their lives and the lives of so many children who are looking for a place to call home."
The festival kicked off National Adoption Month. National Adoption Day will be held in Palm Beach County on Friday, November 21st finalizing adoptions for 24 children and 16 families and in Broward County on Saturday, November 22nd finalizing 30 children and 24 families.
"We have over 150 children available for adoption in Broward and Palm Beach counties," said Wynter. "National Adoption Month and events like our Fall Festival help us create that awareness."
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 954-414-6001 and in Palm Beach call 561-352-2501. Visit www.ChildNet.us and www.facebook.com/ChildNet.
