Caring For Children of Color Youth Resource Fair

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (APN) — May 1st is the start of National Foster Care Awareness Month. A Grand Rapids non-profit is raising awareness with a free event open to the public on Saturday, May 3rd.

“It’s our Caring for Children of Color Youth Resource Fair. We have invited some family service organizations to come out and share about their work and families can get connected to their work, programming their resources,  there’s going to be games there’s going to be prizes and giveaways the DJ hot meal,” said Beanka Masefiade.

The organization is called Osofomaame and it's headed by Beanka Masefiade, who knows firsthand the importance of having information, resources and support.

There are 10,000 children in foster care in Michigan, according to a statistic from a Michigan Adoption Facts document from 2023. Black youth are 16% of the child population in Michigan, however, they make up 29% of the state’s foster care population.

Osofomaame pays special attention and advocates for Black youth and families in foster care/adoption with the mission of reducing the overrepresentation of Black families in the child welfare system.

Grand Rapidians impacted by foster care or those that want to learn more and contributed are invited to attend.

“May 3rd we have an event coming up happening here at The Grand Rapids Center for Community Transformation Madison, 1530 Madison Street Southeast. It’s our “Caring for Children Color Youth Resource Fair.  And so it’s happening from 12 to 4PM. It’s an amazing time,” says Masefiade.

“We’re calling it like a little mini family reunion right? So “We Are The Village” is our slogan. So it’s just the time to come together and learn more about foster care, learn more about our work and learn more about next steps in ways that they can get involved here in Kent  County around supporting families and being part of the change in the village,” Masefiade says.

“Who is the event for? Who should come to these type of events?” Asks Independent Journalist Amanda Porter.

“This event is for everybody. It is for the whole entire community. It is for children, youth, and families who are impacted by foster care who wants to learn more about foster care, who wants to learn more about being a part of the change that’s happening in our neighborhood and our communities right? It’s for our community aunties and uncles in our community. Like you don’t have to have children to show up, but you can pull up and be apart of being educated, learning more and figuring out ways to get involved so it is for everyone. Everyone should be at this event,” says Masefiade.

“I will see you guys May 3rd from 12 to 4PM. We have curated a beautiful, beautiful event, a great experience and we are excited to invite and connect with our neighbors with community with the village. So see you guys Saturday, May 3 from 12 to 4 here at 1530 Madison and thank you for tuning in!” Masefiade says.

To sign up or RSVP for the Children of Color Resource Fair click here.