PRESS RELEASE!
Families On the Move is Celebrating 20 Years!
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Families On the Move, Inc. Saturday, May 23, 2009 for our 20th anniversary For more information please contact Veda Thompkins at 313-532-0012 Download a copy of the 20th Anniversary Awards Nomination
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Historical Overview
Families on the Move, Inc. (FOTM) is a non-profit, 501(c)(3), family-centered organization that evolved from a foster parent support group. Six foster parents, who were members of that support group and disenchanted with their agency’s insensitive actions regarding the children entrusted to them by the foster care system, created “Foster/Adoptive Family on the Move with Love” in 1989. In 1996, seven years and many broken and mended hearts, hurts, scars and victories later, “Families On The Move” transformed from the vision of those six families who answered the call for action. In 2006, Families On The Move, Inc. received its non-profit, tax-exempt status.
Advocacy
FOTM provides memberships to foster, adoptive and biological parents, and works in collaboration with the educational, legal and political systems to establish policy, procedures, and practices that support effectual services to families statewide. FOTM serves more than 400 families annually in various capacities such as:
- Pre- and post-adoption conferences
- Foster Parent Review Board hearings
- Family-to-Family case reviews
- Post-adoption resources
- Retention and recruitment of adoptive and foster families
- Allegations of abuse and neglect training
Education
FOTM holds monthly support group meetings to provide a venue for families to seek answers to issues relating to “their children.” FOTM also provides educational retreats to allow families an opportunity to network, receive training hours, and engage in parenting classes for biological families.
Speaker's Bureau
The State of Michigan’s Department of Human Services (DHS) as well as many other local, state, and regional entities has supported FOTM by providing speakers to discuss legislative and procedural changes that impact the lives of our “Families.” Past speakers have been the Director of DHS, Superintendent of the Michigan Children’s Institute (MCI), the Children’s Ombudsman, Wayne County Director, Family Probate Judges and newspaper reporters.
Youth On The Move
FOTM’s youth centered program provides our membership support for youth activities and graduation assistance (pictures, prom, and senior trips) through generous donations and sponsorships.
Activities
- Family Network quarterly newsletter
- Specialized training
- Annual family camp
- Free childcare during support meetings
- Family-2-Family respite
- Parent mentoring
- Family social events
- 24-hour support via phone
Collaborative Efforts
FOTM is represented on national, regional, state, and local levels by the organization’s President, Veda D. Thompkins.
Regional
- Executive Board Member - Wayne County Foster Parent Advisory Board
- Executive Member - Wayne County Human Services Coordinating Board (HSCB)
- Chair- HSCB’s Council of Families
- Board Member - Mayor's Task Force on Child Abuse
- Executive Board Member - Save Our Children
State
- Adoption Oversigh Committee
- Kinship Adoption Festival
- Past Member - Michigan Foster Care Advisory Board
National
- State Representative - North American Council on Adoptable Children (NACAC)
- 1999 NACAC Adoption Advocate Aware
- 2008 Adoption Excellence Award
Funding
FOTM has received grants from the Dave Thomas Foundation, AdoptUSKids, the Michigan Department of Human Services, Wayne County Community Health Agency, and the United Way. Families On The Move also receives membership and private donations; as well as support from volunteers, board members, foster care, adoption and state agencies.


