Grace Bauer from Wood County is expecting more than 150 people to show up to their annual Foster Family Picnic and BBQ. The event will bring together foster families for a catered cook-out at a local park. In addition to food, there will be games and activities for the children and families. It wasn't always such a large event. According Grace, just a few years ago, the event had only 50 participants. However, with the help of an ad hoc committee comprised of representatives from every unit in the Health and Human Services Department, as well as several foster parents, the event has grown larger from year to year.

The whole Health and Human Services Department comes together to put on the event. Each unit, from Juvenile Justice to CPS and Ongoing, plans an activity for families to participate in. Grace feels that having this agency-wide commitment and foster parent input shows their foster families that they are supported and appreciated.

The annual May Picnic is not the only way Wood County shows their foster parents just how much they are appreciated. Throughout the year, they look for opportunities to show their gratitude for the hard work put in by families. For example, during the winter, they partner with the local Rotary Club to have a Winter Holiday get-together. Each Month, Wood County also sends out hand written and signed birthday cards to each foster parent when their birthdays come up. Grace feels that is important for the county to recognize the contributions of their foster parents whenever possible.