|
Many know Island Grove Regional Park as home to the Greeley Stampede and the Weld County Fair, but for two nights in December, one building is transformed into a magical holiday wonderland. It’s a night that Yvette B. and her seven children (three biological and four foster) as well as hundreds of other Weld County foster and kinship families look forward to each year.
"It's nice to feel appreciated — and my kids, they have been looking forward to this all year. It's a night for them to remember that they are kids and forget some of the things that they have been through," said Yvette.
As her family enters through the doors, they are surrounded by Christmas trees, lights and music. The kids are eagerly greeted by caseworkers and gifts. This is when the impact of the night truly hits home. Eyes widen, smiles stretch from ear to ear, the air fills with giggles and chatter, and for a few hours, Weld County’s foster and kinship families get to relax, and kids get to be kids caught up in the festivities this time of year brings.
With the assistance of local community partners, the Weld County Department of Human Services (DHS) has held an annual holiday event for its foster and kinship families, albeit not always on this scale. In fact, what humbly started 10 years ago as a one night event with some cookies, stuffed animals and a quick walkthrough of caseworkers' cubicles at the DHS office to pick up donated gifts has turned into a two-night holiday event made possible only by the passion and dedication of the community.
Rebecca Lorenz, mother of three (one biological and two foster, whom she adopted), has been involved since the very beginning. After adopting her first child from Weld County, Lorenz attended one of those first holiday parties held at the office cubicles and knew that she wanted to be involved somehow. Her passion, along with that of other community members, has helped the event grow into what it is now.
"I have adopted two of my children from Weld County, and this event has truly turned into something so near and dear to my heart and significant to my family," said Lorenz, who continues to volunteer along with her now grown children to make this night memorable for the families. "We wouldn't all be here together if it wasn't for Weld County foster care."
The Weld County foster care team is quick to say that the event wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the community. Our Lady of the Valley was one of the first community partners to express their desire to donate gifts. For the past 10 years, the church has had its ‘giving tree' on display with Weld County foster care and kinship youth names and wish lists.
"Everyone has been wonderful to work with, even as staff personnel changes throughout the years, it's always a seamless process when everyone has the same goal," said Sharon Carr with Our Lady of the Valley Church.
That goal – celebrate the dedication shown by the families involved in foster and kinship, as well as the caseworkers by their side. When you take a quick glance at the room and see the excitement in everyone's eyes and hear the laughs of the kids, it's easy to see just how much this means to all involved.
"It's a special night not only for the kids but for the foster care community as well," explained Yvette B, "It's so wonderful to get together with other foster families to celebrate the holidays. We have become our own little community, so nights like these are always fun to attend."
"These families are on the front lines, out there 24/7 to care for these kids, and it's a great way to thank them," said Hannah Wiley, Weld County foster care coordinator. "The feedback I get each year is that these families love it, they look forward to it, and as a social worker, it means so much to me seeing these kids just be kids and the smiles."
Katie Tate, a Senior Local Affairs Specialist with PDC Energy, said the program is of mutual benefit for both the youth/families and staff of PDC Energy when the 'angel tree' is placed in the front office of their Evans location. "I just love how personalized the list is and reading through it and seeing what all the kids want is all so different. It brings a personal touch to it rather than 'here is a $20 gift card',” said Tate. “It makes it really special for not only the kid but those of us shopping as well."
"I knew right away this was something I wanted to be involved in," said Joanna Gyrath of Gyrath Realty. "Knowing that these children have been through so much and having the chance to make even a small difference is something I will cherish forever. It wouldn't be Christmas for me without this event."
A big thank you 2022 Winter Wonderland community partners: First Farm Bank; Gyrath Realty Group; Our Lady of the Valley Church; PDC Energy; Rebecca Lorenz; Rocky Mountain Christian Church; Sears Real Estate, Greeley; Serve 6.8; Timberline Church; Tina O'Connell; White Fields
By Kristen Sigg, Weld County Communications Specialist
|
