Governor Gretchen Whitmer is a lifelong Michigander. She is a lawyer, an educator, former prosecutor, State Representative and Senator. She was the first woman to lead a Senate caucus. But the most important title she boasts is MOM. Inspired by her family, she’s devoted her life to building a stronger Michigan for everyone.
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May 01, 2019
WHEREAS, we recognize nothing is more precious in our great state than the growth and development of our children and that every young person deserves a safe, loving, and stable home; and,
WHEREAS, the family provides many children with support and love, and plays a central role in the formative years as children develop a sense of identity and self-esteem, as well as provides the foundation of our communities and our state; and,
WHEREAS, in the state of Michigan, more than 13,000 children live in foster care; and,
WHEREAS, children benefit from a meaningful connection to a caring adult who becomes a supportive and lasting presence in their lives; and,
WHEREAS, foster parents and relatives who generously give of themselves to provide stability for children are truly unsung heroes; and,
WHEREAS, foster, kinship, and adoptive families open their hearts and homes, and support children whose families are in crisis play a vital role in helping children and families heal and reconnect, thereby launching young people into successful adulthood; and,
WHEREAS, there are numerous individuals in public and private organizations, the courts, and in the community, who work to increase public awareness of the needs of children in and leaving foster care; and,
WHEREAS, we join with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to thank individuals, families, and public and private organizations who provide support, affection, love, and security to the children in their care, and we welcome this opportunity to share the message that we are always in need of caring foster parents;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim May 2019 as Foster Care Month in Michigan. I encourage all Michigan residents to commit to supporting our children in any way that we are able, whether by opening our hearts and homes through foster care, mentoring young people in need of guidance or donating time to help families and children in need. Working together, we can help shape a bright future for our state and continue to provide hope to many more of Michigan’s children.