Issue 10, August 2026 — Forever Families Insider
Committed to Connection. Focused on Family.
Happy Dogust!
August is National Dog Month so I want to take a moment to recognize our furry family members.
To make sure everyone feels safe in your home, here are some tips to introducing a new child in your home to your pet:
- If possible, try to meet at a neutral location to avoid territorial behaviors.
- Try to keep both the child and the dog calm. Fast or sudden movements or loud noises can startle the dog.
- Don’t force your dog or child to approach one another. Give them the option to walk away if they are feeling overwhelmed.
- Teach your child to pet the dog appropriately and to avoid pulling their tail. Chest pets are better than the top of the head or back where the dog cannot see their hand.
Did You Know?
Our agency currently serves roughly 100 children in Michigan’s foster care system. Every day we are working to provide them with permanency and support their wellbeing. We are also working with 13 domestic families who are either waiting to be matched or waiting for finalization. Our stateward department currently has 8 families who are either waiting to be matched with an adoptive child or waiting for finalization.
Community Resource of the Month: MARE Match Support
Match Support Specialists partner with pre-adoptive parents who have been matched with a child who was photo-listed on the MARE website. They are helpful to new adoptive parents, since they can offer guidance, provide parents with available services, advocate for their child, and feel more confident in their parenting abilities and the adoption process. Specifically:
- Offer a supportive and empathic ear
- Help navigate trauma, create a sense of felt safety, and develop attachment
- Offer behavior strategies
- Assist the team with solving concerns
- Offer parenting tips and tools
- Coach on self-care and check-in
- Share relevant trainings and educational resources
- Connect families to service providers
If this sounds like a service that could benefit your family, reach out to your adoption worker so they can make a referral to MARE.
Back to School Picnic
Join us at our annual Backpack Picnic and Family Photo Shoot. Free backpacks and photos for families of Forever Families.
When: Thursday, August 20, 2026, 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Where: Handy Park, 26650 Capital Ave., Redford, MI 48239
Please RSVP by Thursday, August 13 to Gloria by emailing gmitchell@forever-families.org.
We Love Being Able to Bring Our Furry Friends to the Office
They’re great stress relievers after court or writing a long report. Say hello to Nala, Max, Rocko, Cotton and Minnie.
Our Employees of the Month
Amber McCrady. Amber is a licensing worker who has been recognized for her report writing and assisting the licensing department when there was a shift in staffing. We appreciate you and thank you for being a part of our team.
Stacie Nedwid. Stacie is a licensing supervisor but assists all departments. She makes sure everyone is informed on case updates and also organizes fun events for staff and our families. We are happy to have you on our team.
Catch Us Here
- Taylor Days — Fridays in August, 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Heritage Park, 12111 Pardee Road, Taylor, MI
- Transgender Pride — August 22, 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM. 1900 Orchard Ave, Ferndale, MI
- Livonia Touch-a-Truck — August 22, 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM. 20501 Newburgh Rd, Livonia, MI
Blogs
Have you checked out our blogs? Each month we release a new blog catered to the topics of foster care, adoption, and everything in between. Check it out today and learn something new.
Get Connected
Give us a Like on Facebook and follow us on Instagram at @foreverfamiliesmi to stay connected on the most up to date information and learn fun facts.
(734) 762-0909
info@forever-families.org
@ForeverFamiliesLivonia
www.forever-families.org
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Venmo: @Forever-FamiliesInc | CashApp: $FFamilies | PayPal: paypal.me/ForeverFamiliesMI
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