Former foster child paying it forward after mentor helped him succeed

From even the worst of circumstances, a resilient child can rise. But it usually takes help. The chaos of poverty, substance abuse, foster care and other social ills can swallow up many young people. Most are overwhelmed by their circumstances and mere survival is success. There are others who rise to the challenge, not only surviving, but overcoming, achieving

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Shared by Moira Weir February 10, 2020

We facilitated a record number of adoptions last year – 259

Hamilton County Job and Family Services helped facilitate a record number of adoptions last year – 259. That’s 259 kids now living with loving, permanent families. And it’s 25 percent increase over the 207 adoptions we counted in 2018. The McQueens   In these numbers are some wonderful stories: Terrez

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Shared by Moira Weir January 15, 2020

Kinship program helps hundreds of families in first six months

More than 400 kinship families were helped this year by a new kinship stipend program.  JFS launched the program in June to help Hamilton County grandparents, aunts, uncles and other relatives who care for children in JFS custody.  The kinship stipend program pays kinship caregivers $350 per month, per child for

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Shared by Moira Weir December 27, 2019

We like Mike: Step grandpa becomes dad

The world needs more Mike McQueens. This man adopted the grandchildren of his former wife in one of the most heartwarming hearings on our National Adoption Day. Please check out this great story  and wonderful photos. Thank you to Terry DeMio, Meg Vogel and The Enquirer for taking the time to

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Shared by Moira Weir December 9, 2019

Staying Power fuels JFS

Our agency recently launched a campaign to recognize those we lean on while helping nearly half a million Hamilton County residents every year. Our 800+ employees work every day so many in this community can have better tomorrows. Among the work: Protecting children and the elderly Ensuring families have access

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Shared by Moira Weir November 1, 2019

Adoption Day: Annabella’s parents are over the moon

Annabella will be one of 14 kids adopted on Friday as part of our commemoration of National Adoption Month. But she has even a loftier goal in mind – she plans to become a princess. Annabella is 5 and she’ll be adopted by her aunt and uncle, Jennifer and Jeremy

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Shared by Moira Weir October 31, 2019

Lighthouse holding reunion to celebrate 50 years

Lighthouse Youth & Family Services will celebrate 50 years of service with a reunion from 1 to 4 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 9, at its offices at 401 East. McMillan Street.  Past and present clients, employees, board members, volunteers and honorees are welcome.  There will be food, music and a petting

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Shared by Moira Weir October 9, 2019

September named Kinship Care Month

The Hamilton County Board of Commissioners has proclaimed September as National Kinship Care Month.  The proclamation reads: WHEREAS, the abuse and neglect of children in our nation and our community is an ongoing problem, with nearly 20,000 abused and neglected children receiving services from Hamilton County Job and Family Services

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Shared by Moira Weir September 26, 2019

September is Kinship Care Month

When we say a child is in kinship care , it means that when the child was no longer able to safely live with parents, a relative or a non-relative adult who has a bond with the child (maybe a teacher, minister, long-time family friend) stepped up to take the

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Shared by Moira Weir September 10, 2019