On Saturday, June 24, HRC recognized Fostering Futures of Ann Arbor, Michigan, for renewing its Leader status in Supporting and Serving LGBTQ Youth and Families through HRC Foundation’s All Children - All Families project. The event took place in Braun Court, a courtyard that is surrounded by businesses owned by LGBTQ community members.

Ryan Rowe, HRC Associate Regional Field Director, presented the Seal for the agency’s commitment to LGBTQ inclusion and for Executive Director Jennifer DeVivo’s exceptional leadership. The continuing efforts of Fostering Futures to send a clear message of affirmation to LGBTQ families is especially important.

In 2015, Michigan Governor Rick Snyder signed a package of extreme anti-LGBTQ adoption bills into law. The dangerously broad bills have enshrined special taxpayer-funded discrimination into Michigan law and permit rampant discrimination against committed and loving same-sex couples, putting thousands of Michigan children at risk of not finding the loving homes that they need.

Fostering Futures is the first All Children - All Families agency in Michigan to renew its Seal of Recognition. This means they have enhanced their policies and practices to ensure a truly welcoming environment for both LGBTQ parents and youth. Following the event, agency staff and community members celebrated the two year anniversary of the Supreme Court’s historic marriage equality ruling with free music, children’s activities, and giveaways. 

Fostering Futures is a non-profit child placing agency with the goal of providing the best services to children and families. Based on the foundation of clinical practice, Fostering Futures assists children and families in the foster care system. To learn more about the agency, visit http://www.ffkids.org/.

HRC Foundation's All Children - All Families has guided agencies across the U.S. in improving practice with LGBTQ youth and parents for more than a decade. To learn more about the program's practice improvement model and see a full list of participating agencies, visit hrc.org/acaf.

Want to stay up-to-date on All Children - All Families resources and activities? Subscribe to “Field Forward,” the program’s monthly e-newsletter at hrc.im/field-forward.

Above: Fostering Futures staff and families with HRC Associate Regional Field Director Ryan Rowe.

Below: Executive Director, Jennifer Claire DeVivo, and original foster parents and LGBTQ Advisory Board Members, Mark Giesler and John Palladino.