FINDLAY, Ohio (April 3, 2026) — Current and prospective foster families will be connected to local resources, advocates and those with lived experience at an upcoming event called Open Hearts, Open Homes.
The event will take place from 6-7:30 p.m. April 25 at Hilton Garden Inn. It is being organized by Fostering Hancock County, comprised of representatives from Hancock County Job & Family Services, YWCA, Northwest Treatment Foster Care Program and United Way of Hancock County.
Job & Family Services Director Randall Galbraith explained that the state of Ohio — and Hancock County in particular — is experiencing a shortage of available foster homes to care for youth in the custody of children’s services agencies.
“Our most recent head count of children in custody of Hancock County Job & Family Services was 113,” Galbraith said. “Although not all of those children are placed with foster families, many are. The lack of local foster families means that many of these children are placed far away from their families, friends and schools. This causes further trauma to these vulnerable children.”
This event is specifically designed to highlight common fears expressed by potential foster parents and the realities behind each. The evening’s presenters — both children and adults — have lived experience in the foster system and will be available afterward to answer questions.
“It is a daunting task. Foster families are asked to open up their lives at a moment’s notice and take on the responsibility of caring for a child. While there are many potential setbacks and pitfalls, I have yet to speak to a foster family that did not ultimately find great satisfaction in the experience,” Galbraith said.
“This event exists to allow folks the opportunity to hear about the lived experiences of both foster parents and former foster youth, as well as ask any questions they may have about fostering.”
Attendance for current foster families and those who are interested in learning more about foster care is complimentary, provided through community sponsorships.
Sponsorships are available for an individual seat ($35) or a table of six ($210). When choosing to support the event, individuals can select whether they would like to attend the event themselves, or to simply purchase a seat or table for others.
More information and signup links for sponsors and attendees can be found at https://www.liveunitedhancockcounty.org/open-hearts-open-home