Family Fun Day

Helped Connect Kids To Loving Homes

By John Voket

The honk of a fire truck’s horn competed with the happy shouts of children mingling with baby bunnies and a goat in a temporary petting zoo as the first Connecticut Department of Children and Families Family Fun Day came to Newtown and the grounds of Hawleyville’s Santosha Center for Yoga and Health on June 13.

The event was the second part of a two-day summer celebration sponsored by the Stony Hill Four Corners business organization, and was aimed at supporting the DCF’s mission to help place nearly 5,000 Connecticut foster and adoptable children into loving and permanent homes.

Event organizer Yvette Newtown said she was pleased that the threat of rain held off until literally moments after the conclusion of the afternoon festivities, which also included face painting, treats, raffles, an inflatable bouncy castle, a K-9 demonstration from Newtown’s own Officer Andrew Stinson and partner Barro, as well as a visit from two Danbury Westerners baseball players and the team’s mascot, Westie.

Ms Newtown said she and her agency colleagues were thrilled with the turnout for what she plans on as an annual foster care awareness event.

“We had approximately 250–300 attendees with an impressive number of those expressing interest in learning more about foster care or adoption,” she said. “I am touched by the community coming together in making the day possible.”

Ms Newtown also recognized several other local businesses and organizations that helped in funding the various activities for the children. The Hawleyville Environmental Advocacy Team (HEAT) demonstrated their commitment to promoting area businesses, such as Santosha Center, in addition to improving the environmental, social, and economic climate in the area with their donation and presence at the event.

“The Santosha Center generously provided DCF with the beautiful venue, and Union Savings Bank sponsored the event, while the Stony Hill 4 Corners Association assisted with advertising,” she said. “The Hawleyville Volunteer Fire Company volunteered their time in providing fire engine tours, while Newtown police provided an impressive K9 demo.”

Local DCF officials and probate judges, including Moira Rodgers of Newtown were on hand to offer additional support and inspiring words.

“There are too many additional sponsors to name for which we are truly grateful,” she added. “But we hope to make this a community annual event, fueled by the words of a child present at Family Fun Day, who I overheard telling her mom, ‘This is the best day ever!’”

To learn more about foster and adoption services through the state DCF office, and the many additional support services and benefits available to willing foster and adoptive families, contact Ms Newtown or her office in Danbury at 203-207-5100 or just dial 1-888-KID-HERO (888-543-4376).