Ending the year on a good note

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Director Moira Weir

Would you like to see the incredible joy of happy children? The overwhelming security of family? True, unconditional love?

Watch the livestream of our mass adoption ceremony, which took place Nov. 4. You can find it here.

We’ve had 362 views so far, including from as far away as Germany. This is one of the greatest events we do every year. It is amazing to see these families come together and we are excited to share those types of moments – adoption proceedings usually take place in confidential settings – with the world, so everyone can see the joy that comes with a successful adoption.

This is just one of the outstanding things that happened for our agency in November, and December is already shaping up to be just as positive.

November also brought good news from Hamilton County voters, as they approved our Children’s Services Levy. That will provide the agency with $40 million in local funds, which we will use to draw down a matching amount of money from the federal government, giving us $80 million to serve the county’s abused and neglected children.

I am thankful to live in a community that values the safety and security of children. This makes me proud to be a resident of Hamilton County. Only about half of the state’s 88 counties have levies to serve abused and neglected children.

Our levy passed with 72 percent approval. That ties 2011 for the largest approval percentage ever!

On the heels of this, we are seeing incredible support for our children this holiday season. Several local groups and individuals have stepped up to provide a wonderful holiday for our children.

Xerox and First Financial Bank are hosting a holiday party for about 75 of our children who are in permanent custody and awaiting adoption. They are also buying gifts and gift cards for others who are unable to attend the party.

Numerous groups and individuals have stepped forward with gift cards and other assistance. The U.S. Marine Corps Reserves is donating 1,500 toys through the Toys for Tots program. Kate Koch, the Bike Lady in Columbus, Ohio, is donating 180 bikes.

I could never thank all of the people who help us during the holidays and throughout the rest of the year. Please know that what you do for our children always results in smiles and a little bit of normalcy and hope in what are often turbulent times in a child’s life.

I am proud to live in a community that always support our children and families. We could not be as successful in our daily work without that kind of support, generosity and kindness.

Thank you.

by Ashley Woods

Filed Under: From the Director, News

Tagged: adoption, Child Support, Child Welfare, Children's Services, department of hamilton county job and family services, foster care, foster child, foster children, hamilton county department of job and family services, hamilton county job and family services, moira weir, poverty