“A World For Children foster parents are the heart of “our world”. Each family is handpicked by God to serve His special children. Our families are so special – they rock a child in the middle of the night until the night terrors pass; they hold a child close and kiss away the tears; they create a gleam in the eyes of children who have lost their sparkle; they bring laughter to broken hearts; they open their homes and hearts to broken, battered children; they turn rain and a cloudy sky into a rainbow. Truly, A World For Children foster parents are treasures that we hold very dear.”
Sharon Willis, Ph. D.
AWFC Administrator
Our Foster Parents specialize in the following areas:
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Provide a strong commitment to serving the basic as well as therapeutic needs of the children in care.
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Provide appropriate supervision to ensure a child's safety and well-being.
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Work as an integral part of the treatment team in ensuring the individual treatment plan is addressed.
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Provide a safe, nurturing and loving environment.
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Communicate with all professionals servicing the child to ensure appropriate treatment at all times.
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News Flash!!
From theVan Zandt News
Grand Saline Couple Receives Foster Family Of The Year Award
Patricia Scalici, Staff Writer
GRAND SALINE—Jay and Linda Rohus of Grand Saline, won the Foster Family of the Year award for 2006 from the Texas Foster Family Association. It is not surprising. Their home is a winter wonderland, with lights everywhere. An entire wall is taken up with Christmas villages, which include tiny figures, animals, and even a miniature Wal-Mart. Two trees, one in the living room and one in the den, are decorated in bright red, and lights glow in the dining room and den. Everything is festive for the Christmas season, and the home itself is filled with the scent of gingerbread. It’s a home any child would find comfortable.With 10 children, ranging in ages from 8 to 17, Grand Saline City Council member Jay Rohus, and his wife, Linda, have their hands full. Mr. and Mrs. Rohus are foster parents to nine children, and one who they have adopted. A World for Children is a faith based, non-profit 501 C3 child placing agency licensed by the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services to provide foster care for abused and neglected children, ages birth to 18 years. The process is quite involved Rohus explained.The association talks to everyone involved in the child’s life, including teachers, clergy, and the child themself. Mr. and Mrs. Rohus did not know, but their foster children even wrote their own letters to the organization with praise for their love, compassion and commitment to the kids.They have been foster parents for more than 13 years, and have taken care of 88 children since they began fostering. Although they have had their ups and downs during the years, their successes keep them going."Some people think we’re crazy to do this, but the Lord has a calling for everyone," Mr. Rohus said.Mr. and Mrs. Rohus said they feel this is their calling."You just stand by them and do what you can to try to keep them going. You encourage them," Mr. Rohus stated.Mr. and Mrs. Rohus lost their own son this past summer. "When my son got killed, I’ll tell you what, these kids stood by me. They were there, my biological kids as well," Rohus said.He explained that no matter what parents may or may not have done to these kids, the kids still love their parents. Although the challenges with abused kids can be tough, the Rohuses love the kids and love what they are doing."Someone has to take care of these kids," Mr. Rohus explained.
They also won Foster Parents of The Year in 2003 from the Texas Foster Care System
All AWFC foster families are WINNERS. Many A World For Children Foster Parents have been recognized at the State and local levels. Over 150 families have been nominated for State Awards. The following families were selected for recognition by the Texas Foster Family Association which is composed of foster families across the State:
Jay and Linda Rohus Foster Family of the Year, 2006
Jo Ann and Leonard Henderson Habilitive Foster Family of the Year, 2006
Pam Castillo and Sue Knetig Foster Family of the Year, 2005
Derrell and Mary Moore Habilitative Foster Family of the Year, 2005
Keith and Mercedes Brown Therapeutic Foster Family of the Year, 2005
Leonard and Reba Leming Medically Fragile Foster Family of the Year, 2004
Henry Teen Foster Family of the Year, 2004
Danny Cuellar Single Foster Parent of the Year, 2004
A World For Children Foster Care Agency of the Year, 2003
Terry and Diane Burton Foster Family of the Year, 2003
Wayne and Holly Latham Teen Foster Family of the Year, 2003
Jesse Outlaw Single Foster Family of the Year, 2003
Derrell and Mary Moore Habilitative Foster Family of the Year, 2003
Kay Lyles Medically Fragile Foster Family of the Year, 2003
The Texas Alliance selected the following winning families:
Jay and Linda Rohus Texas Foster Family of the Year, 2004
Derrell and Mary Moore Texas Foster Family of the Year, 2003
CASA selected the following winning families:
Bill and Bonnie Hinkstons Foster Family Award for 2004 and 2005
Foster Parent Appreciation Dinner
Appreciating foster parents is an important goal of AWFC. Our foster parents are the front line folks who have the most impact on God’s special kids. They are the ones who hold them when they have nightmares; they are the ones who wipe away the tears; they are the ones who bring back the glow in their eyes; they are the ones who brag on their accomplishments.
Our families are appreciated 24-7 the entire year. However, because May is the National Foster Parent Appreciation Month, A World For Children formally recognizes our families at this time. We celebrate our families in each of our regions/areas with a luncheon, dinner, picnic, etc. It is such a delight to “brag” on each family. Listening to the great things the families do, re-inspires all of us as our energies begin to lag.
At our festivities, AWFC recognizes our 5 year families – those who have served kids for the past 5 years with AWFC. Each of those foster parents and staff receive an AWFC blue jean jacket. They look mighty good “struttin’ their stuff”.
TFFA Conference
Our AWFC foster families enjoy wonderful, refreshing, informative training at the Texas Foster Family Association Conference each year. In order help offset the conference expense, AWFC reimburses families for the registration fee - $250 per family. This is a super way to get quality training – 25 hours are available.
Lights! Camera! Action!...
To add to the conference fun, AWFC plans a big celebration for Thursday Night. This year we are going to be “Puttin’ on the Ritz” complete with dinner theatre. The dinner and theatre extravaganza are orchestrated by AWFC staff. Between the comedy vignettes; the fabulous attire and the delicious food – we have a fabulous evening planned.
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A World for Children is licensed by and receives funds from
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
