OFFICE OF GOV.

TOPEKA – Last week, Governor Jeff Colyer opened his home at Cedar Crest to welcome more than a dozen children who are currently in foster care. The children got a chance to tour the home and share a meal with Governor Colyer and his wife First Lady Ruth Colyer during a special dinner held in their honor.

“These wonderful kids have had to endure some challenging circumstances at very young ages, and it was my privilege to bring them to Cedar Crest to let them know that they are special individuals with strength that I admire,” said Governor Colyer. “Our foster families serve an important role in our communities by stepping in to nurture and protect our most vulnerable children and we were pleased to host a dinner to celebrate these selfless Kansans and their families.”

The children were joined by their foster parents and other children in the home for the dinner.

“It was a delight to have these sweet children and their foster families in our home,” said First Lady Colyer. “Every child deserves to be loved and cared for. I enjoyed the opportunity to interact with them and see how they are rising above the tough trials they have faced in life. Because of the willingness of these foster families to step in to love and raise these special children, we can have great hope for the things they will accomplish in the future.”

The Governor, along with DCF Secretary Gina Meier-Hummel, invited the guests to share their inspirational stories and offer insight and suggestions as to how the State of Kansas can further support foster families and youth in care. Currently, there are more than 7,300 children in Kansas foster care.

“It was wonderful to spend the evening with youth in care and foster families who give so much to Kansas children,” Secretary Meier-Hummel said. “I value their input and look forward to sharing their comments with my staff, so we can continue to improve upon the foster care system.”

The foster families, who represented several different Child Placing Agencies throughout the state said they appreciated the opportunity to meet the Governor and Secretary, and have an open conversation about how the State can support them as they serve children in need.

“I believe being a caregiver to children in State custody, is a way we can give back and help others,” Misty Locker, Topeka, said. “We have a genuine desire as a family to help other families be the best they are able to be, and if that means caring for their children while they heal, we are happy to do that. We appreciate the Governor’s willingness to improve the child welfare system.”