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By Kristal Dixon
Cherokee Tribune Staff Writer
For Jared and Misty Hitch of Ball Ground, fostering children has become a family tradition.
Mrs. Hitch's mother and stepfather fostered and eventually adopted two children when Misty was a child.
"We just love kids," said Mrs. Hitch, whose family is made up of six foster children.
Cherokee County Department of Family and Children Services recognized the Hitches during its annual Foster/Adoptive Parent Appreciation Banquet on Tuesday night.
The Hitches were formally recognized as the county's Foster Parents of the Year.
"With these awards, we recognize the ones who make a true, long commitment to children in Cherokee County," said Julie Evans, resource development case manager with DFCS.
The Hitches, who are in the process of adopting two of their foster kids, said they were "really" surprised by the honor bestowed on them.
Hitch said people are amazed at the number of children they've fostered: about 15 in the year and a half since they first opened their home.
"A lot say they couldn't do it because they would get attached," he said.
DFCS sponsors a banquet every May to recognize Foster Parent Appreciation Month, but this was the first time the agency's foster parents of the year were formally recognized.
The Hitches will attend a celebration of excellence of banquet hosted by the Department of Human Resources in Roswell.
The banquet also honored parents who've fostered children for at least five or 10 years.
DFCS staff members were asked to nominate parents they thought deserved the various recognitions. Fifteen foster parents were nominated for each of the awards, Mrs. Evans said.
John and Beverly Petty of Canton, who were given the 10-year Faithful Service Award, said they were "awestruck" when they heard their names.
"We weren't expecting it," Mrs. Petty said.
The Pettys have been foster parents for 12 years. They have two foster children, three adopted children and one grandson of whom they have custody. They are in the process of adopting their two foster children.
The Rev. Dr. Ken Freshour, pastor of Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church in Marietta, spoke during the event about the joys he experienced in adopting 12 of his children.
"I found out what an amazing thing it was when children realize when they have a family, a name," he said. "Children are children are children. They are special, and they have gifts, and they need you. And I applaud you for what you have done."
Kamala Tidwell of Sutallee, along with her husband, Bryan, were awarded the five-year Faithful Service Award for opening their home to children.
"We were surprised," Mrs. Tidwell said. "We were not expecting an award."
The Tidwells currently have three foster children and three biological children. Over the past 10 years, the couple has fostered 10 children.
Mrs. Tidwell said she and her husband decided to become foster parents to "give kids a chance to have a safe place and a safe home environment."
"Fostering teaches these kids what a functional family should be," she said.
Mrs. Evans said the banquet is a way to tell parents "thanks for everything they do."
"They have a hard job," she said.
Mrs. Evans said honoring foster parents for their dedication is the least the community could do.
"They just don't get enough appreciation," she said.
kdixon@cherokeetribune.com
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Posted Comments
This is five star article. We need more positive news. Thank you for letting people know about Foster Parent Appreciation month. This article was wonderful.
Thank you to all our WONDERFUL foster parents. We truly appreciate everything you guys do.
I think this is great this young is doing. Most young people are too busy to worry about anyone else.
The Hitch's are very loving foster parents. They spend all the time possible with the children.I know I live close by them.Thanks Cherokee County Department Of Family and Children.