Becky Bennett, executive director of Magnolia Mission, was the guest speaker for the July 10 meeting. Magnolia Mission is a new nonprofit in Macon County that seeks “to provide support, supplies and encouragement to current and prospective foster and adoptive families and children, as well as biological families.” They also aim to mobilize and equip the local community for foster care and advocate for vulnerable children.
Becky reported there are 71 children in foster care in Macon County, but that number is always changing. There are 32 licensed foster care families in the county and only one family can currently house new placements.
Fifteen of the children are out of county or state, which often happens when there are not enough homes for them in Macon County. When a child is moved out of county that means they must start a new school, make new friends and are unable to visit their biological family as often, and they may be separated from their siblings.
Becky said by offering needed supplies and support they hope to ease the financial burden and retain more foster families by offering training. It is estimated about 50% of foster families quit within the first year if they do not receive adequate support.
Rotarian Russell Hawkins serves as Magnolia Mission’s vice president and introduced Becky.
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