Courtesy of Families Thrive

Formerly known as Children Awaiting Parents, Families Thrive is set to launch a rebrand in January 2025. The transformation will enhance the non-profit agency’s services and commitment to supporting families and providing children in foster care across Western and Central New York with the loving, stable homes that they deserve.

“With nearly 400,000 kids in foster care in the United States, we are committed to moving the needle to create permanency for as many of these children as possible,” says Lauri McKnight, Executive Director of Families Thrive.

Families Thrive recruits foster and adoptive families for children ages 0 to 21, providing vital support and services from pre-adoption to post-adoption, keeping children connected to their family members whenever possible. “Finding temporary homes is crucial for the well-being of these children, and we work tirelessly to facilitate this connection,” says McKnight.

Essential services include foster parent education and training; finding children suitable foster homes; providing tailored mental health support; helping address and navigate problems before they escalate; counseling families through emotional challenges; visitation coaching to facilitate healthy relationships with biological families; and 24/7 on-call support.

An important key initiative, Social Support for Advancing Future Endeavors (SSAFE), is a program that addresses the unique needs of young adults who are aging out of the foster care system. Through service coordination, emergency assistance, and life skills training, SSAFE empowers youth to transition successfully into adulthood.

As Families Thrive prepares for its new identity, the organization remains steadfast in its vision to build safe, loving connections for every child in foster care. To learn about adoption and foster care, parent recruitment for children awaiting adoption, and volunteer opportunities, call 585-232-5110, or email info@capbook.org.