Whereas, There is nothing more precious to our Great Lakes state than the healthy growth and development of our youth, who will determine the future direction of our state; and,

Whereas, The family, serving as the primary source of love, identity, self-esteem, and support, is the very foundation of our communities and our state; and,

Whereas, In Michigan, there are more than 20,000 children in licensed care and an additional 19,000 children in special needs adopted homes; and,

Whereas, These foster, adoptive and kinship families serve as resources to our state and local communities as they play a vital role in helping children and families heal, reconnect, and launch children into successful adulthood; and serve our state as Resource Families; and,

Whereas, Many grandparents in Michigan are currently raising their grandchildren with very little financial support; and,

Whereas, Many youth who reach their 19^th birthday and “age out” of foster care are often without the ongoing support and guidance of caring adults; and,

Whereas, There are numerous individuals with public and private organizations who work to increase the public awareness of the needs of children in and leaving foster care as well as the enduring and valuable contribution of foster parents and the foster care system will only reach as high as those who choose to be part of it; and,

Whereas, Resource Family Month in Michigan is an appropriate opportunity to thank the families who embrace the often thankless responsibility of providing a home and family to children in need of affection, love and security and to support the efforts of those who dedicate their time to children in and leaving “out of home” care; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim May 2005, as Resource Family Month in Michigan and I encourage citizens to volunteer their talents and energies on behalf of children in “out of home care,” and their foster, adoptive and kinship families and the child welfare professional staff working in our state this month and throughout the year.