Award Recipients Part 2

Our annual gala recognizes the hard work and and dedication of foster parents in our Therapeutic Foster Care Program. This year, the Heroes For Hope Gala honored Chuck & Kathy Mertz.

Kathy and Chuck have been foster parents for many years and their dedication to Hope For Youth’s foster care program has been instrumental in the success of multiple youth. They listen intently when a youth’s story is shared, they prepare their home and extended family to welcome this young person, and once a child is placed within their care,  they communicate regularly with the Hope For Youth team to ensure that the youth receives all the services needed, to help them heal physically, emotionally and mentally.  Over the past year Kathy and Chuck have worked diligently and lovingly to help ensure one young girl received all the care she needed.  This included spending nights in the hospital with her, visiting regularly and advocating for her needs.  They are always right by this youth’s side supporting her & caring for her as any parent would for their child.

Kathy and Chuck continuously demonstrate a true understanding of foster care and all of the unpredictable matters that come with the journey.  In addition to taking placements of their own, they  provide respite and support to other families in the Hope For Youth network. This couple has done an amazing job advocating for children transitioning back to their home of origin and working to rebuild healthy relationships between children in care and their families; their dedication to the children & youth that are placed in their home is inspiring. Hope For Youth was proud to honor this couple as they are Every Day Heroes in the lives of the youth they encounter as well as dedicated mentors for new foster parents. Congratulations Kathy and Chuck!