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, foster parents provide an invaluable service to the children, youth and families of Idaho; and

WHEREAS, foster parents give generously of themselves to provide nurturing, safety, guidance, hope and love; and

WHEREAS, foster parents recognize the opportunity to help a child or youth and their family in ways that will influence them for the remainder of their lives;

WHEREAS, foster families, who open their homes and hearts to children whose families are in crisis, play a vital role helping children and families heal and reconnect, and help launch children into successful adulthood;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DIRK KEMPTHORNE, Governor of the State of Idaho, do hereby proclaim May, 2005, to be

FOSTER PARENT APPRECIATION MONTH

in Idaho, and I call upon all our citizens to recognize the contribution made by foster families throughout the state and to give their full support to this vital program.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Idaho at the Capitol in Boise on this twenty-fifth day of April in the year of our Lord two-thousand and five and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred twenty-ninth and of the Statehood of Idaho the one hundred fifteenth.    

BEN YSURSA
SECRETARY OF STATE