Foster Families and the Agencies Supporting Them

Foster families play a vital role in providing safety, stability, and love to children experiencing crisis. Behind every foster family is a network of agencies and community organizations working tirelessly to guide, support, and sustain them through the complex journey of foster care. Rotarian and foster parent, Jane Gullickson will moderate a discussion with Eric Klooz, CEO of The Abbott House; and representatives from The Foster Network and Child Protection Services. Together, they will dispel common misconceptions about foster care, present current data on the number of children in care, average time in the system, and family capacity, and discuss the growing shortage of foster homes.

The buffet lunch will be available beginning at 11:30 am. The menu will be: Beef & Chicken Stir Fry with Lo Mein, egg rolls and salad bar.

The presentation, at the club’s regular weekly meeting, will be held at the South Dakota Military Heritage Alliance in Sioux Falls and will begin at noon. All Downtown Sioux Falls Rotary Club programs are open only to Rotarians and their guests. All programs are subject to the club's Privacy Policy. Local media are invited to attend to record the session.

Rotary International is one of the premier service organizations in the world. The Rotary Club of Downtown Sioux Falls is among the largest 15 clubs in the world. For more information on how to become a mentor or involve your organization in mentoring visit Sioux52.org.