WHEREAS, the family, serving as the primary source of love, identity,

 self-esteem and support, is the very foundation of our communities and our State, and

WHEREAS, in Pueblo, Colorado there are approximately

 580 children and youth in foster care and out of home placements,

being provided with a safe, secure and stable home along with the

 compassion and nurture of a foster family, and

WHEREAS, foster families, who open their homes and hearts and offer help to

 children whose families are in crisis, play a vital

 role helping children and families

 heal and reconnect and launching children

 into successful adulthood, and

WHEREAS, dedicated foster families frequently

 adopt foster children, resulting in a

 greater need for more foster

families, and

WHEREAS, there are numerous individuals, public and

private organizations who work to increase public awareness of

 the needs of children in and leaving foster care as well as the

 enduring and valuable contribution of foster parents,

 and the foster care “system” is only as good

 as those who choose to be part of it.

NOW, THEREFORE, WE, the City Council of the City of Pueblo, Colorado, by the authority vested in us, do hereby officially proclaim May 2008, as "FOSTER CARE MONTH" in the City of Pueblo, Colorado, and urge all citizens to come forward and do something positive that will help change a lifetime for the children and youth in foster care.