The Mesa County Department of Human Services will join with several community organizations to present a foster care rally, celebrating the roles of foster families in the lives of local youth.

The department will join with Ariel, Kin Connect, Project 1.27 and WhimSpire in hosting a drive-through style rally with entertainment, food, games and prizes. This is the first time the organizations have partnered to host an appreciation event for foster homes in Mesa County.

The rally is set for 4 to 6 p.m. May 13 at Sherwood Park, 1301 E Sherwood Drive in Grand Junction.

More than 150 foster and kinship families open their homes to youth in need in Mesa County. These families provide homes free of abuse and neglect until the children can return home, be adopted or live independently.

“Every child and youth deserves to have a place to call home and people who love and support them,” said Sarah St. Martin, foster care supervisor at the Mesa County Department of Human Services. 

“Our foster and kinship parents provide children and youth with love, stability and support at a time when they need it the most,” St. Martin said. “Each day, I am inspired by these amazing people who step in the gap for our children and youth in Mesa County. As the late Mr. Rogers stated, ‘Anyone who does anything to help a child is a hero to me.’ ”

More foster and kinship families are needed to provide stability and love to children of all ages in Mesa County.  

For more information about becoming a foster parent, contact Foster Care of Mesa County at 248-2794.