Families On The Move, Inc.

Families On The Move, Inc.

Mission Statement

Families On The Move, Inc.'s mission is to be a “voice” for families state-wide through advocacy, support services, and reform to garner family empowerment and stability.

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:

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

Collaborative Efforts

FOTM is represented on national, regional, state, and local levels by the organization’s President, Veda D. Thompkins.

Regional

Funding

FOTM has received grants from the Dave Thomas Foundation and AdoptUSKids. Families On The Move also receives membership and private donations; as well as support from volunteers, board members, foster care, adoption and state agencies.

National

©2007 Families on the Move, Inc.