Become Involved....

Dear fellow resource family,

 

I hope that 2012 is off to a great start for you! As we look back on 2011 there have been several changes in the way we care for the children of New Hampshire. Some of the these changes were challenged by us as an Association and as a community. I want to thank all of those people who worked on  all of the iniatives, focus groups, legislative, budget, regulations, and local association changes. Your inspiration and passion for the health, welfare and safety of New Hampshire’s children are truly amazing.

 

Today I would like to call on that passion for a need that we see across the state with our local associations. Many resources parents do not realize that there are over 12 local Foster,  Adoptive, and Relative caregiver Associations in just about every part of NH. Some of these groups have been established for years and some are brand new.  These groups allow local resource families to get together for support, training, networking, and family fun. They are a wonderful resource to make a connection with someone to create possible a lifetime of support and friendship.

 

My call is in two parts: One is for each one of you to attend at least one meeting if you can to see if there is something that would benefit you as a resource parent.  The second is a call for those who have thought of being on the board of one of these groups including NHFAPA, to contact us and we will guide you in the right direction to get started. Some of these groups only require a commitment of the maximum of meeting once or twice a month, some are less. Some meet via online, especially those in remote areas. In the beginning as you learn your new role may require some additional time, but what a difference you will make in your local area. I myself started at a local association, and that helped me grow into my current position I hold now.

 

If you are interested in joining a local association, rejoining, or becoming a board member  for NHFAPA or a local association please email us at  jenguill@comcast.net  or call 603-717-5899.

 

Thank you again for all that you do for the children of New Hampshire.

 

Heath Hooper

President NHFAPA