Judge Executive Wil Cannon Declares November Adoption Awareness Month In Edmonson County

From Left Right: Gloria Hennion- social worker, Laura Webb- Thomas- foster parent, Mary Lindsey- social worker, Alicia Edwards- family resource center coordinator, Jenifer Chandler- social worker, Laura Lancaster- Lifeskills manager of Edmonson and Hart county, Lauren Cottrel- social worker, Michael Meredith- state representative, Tammi Willhight- Edmonson County Treasurer, Joyce Sharpensteen- social worker, Stephanie Gibson- district court representative, Brenda Lindsey- deputy of the circuit clerk's office.

Moriah Peterson, story and photos:
On Thursday morning November 1, 2018, county and state officials, foster parents, and social workers gathered together on the courthouse lawn as Judge Executive Wil Cannon signed a proclamation declaring November as Adoption Awareness Month in Edmonson County. 

Judge Executive Wil Cannon signing a proclamation declaring November as Adoption Awareness Month in Edmonson County.

According to social worker Joyce Sharpsteen, there are over 8,000 children in foster care in Kentucky. In Edmonson County there are eight foster families. Today she said there is a dire need for more foster families. "We need homes for minorities, sibling groups, and teens," said Joyce. "If that is your calling please consider becoming a foster family." 

Joyce Sharpsteen sharing the history of November as Adoption Awareness Month.

During the event Edmonson County foster parent of three and biological mother of five Laura Webb-Thomas shared her experience as a foster mom. "You don't have to have a big house to have a big heart," said Laura. In 2014 Laura and husband became foster parents to two little boys and recently added a little girl to their family this past October. "We aren't changing the entire world, but we are changing theirs. I'm not a strong person, I'm not special, my husband and I saw a need and we filled it."

Edmonson County foster parent Laura Webb-Thomas sharing her experience as a foster parent.

In the last year there have been 92 adoptions in the the southern part of Two Rivers Region which include nine counties: Hart, Barren, Edmonson, Metcalfe, Monroe, Warren, Logan, Allen and Simpson. ​There will be a balloon launch on November 27th at the Munfordville Courthouse to celebrate and create awareness for fostering and adoption and all are welcome to attend.