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February is Parent Recognition Month. Strengthening Families Washington, of the Department of Early Learning for Washington State, believes there is no better way to recognize a parent, grandparent, foster or adoptive parent than by acknowledging the numerous and impressive things they do to strengthen their family and those around them in their community.
Seattle's Child is proud to sponsor the Washington Unsung Hero Awards, recognizing our everyday heroes and honoring the important role caregivers play in children's lives. There are 28 nominees for the 28 days of February, and Seattle's Child will highlight each and every one.
Congratulations to the Unsung Heroes for February 2:
Mike and Elaine Quantrell – Klickitat
Mike and Elaine have been active in the foster care system for over twenty years. They not only raised their own children and added two foster children to their family, but now have taken the responsibility for raising three young children of their foster daughter.
The three young boys were floundering in their mothers care when they were taken in by their grandparents. The two oldest boys were not attending or doing well in school but now are doing well. The Quantrells have strong relationships with the school and the church as welL The last child that they have taken into their home has some severe delays and has needed a great deal of resources. The Quantrells again have given the child the structure and stability needed to make great gains in his Head Start program. The family transports him home from class, meet with his Early Intervention and Head Start Teachers to ensure that all of his special needs are being met.
I am nominating the Quantrells because they not only chose to take into their family two foster children, but now are providing security and love for the next generation of their foster family. They have given up an empty nest, peaceful life, in order to provide these three young boys a happy and stable life.
Nominator: Cheryl Steindorf
