BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — On Thursday, 100 foster families were celebrated by Gateway Longview Foster Care for the service they provide for WNY.
"To acknowledge all their hardwork and their dedication to the children of our community" Jenny Legarreca, foster parent recruiter for Gateway Longview said.
May is Foster Care Awareness Month, and events like Thursday's Gateway dinner shows the need for more foster parents.
"I think it's safe to say there is a shortage nationwide," Legarreca said, "there's always going to be a shortage of people wanting to become foster parents."
900 child referrals come through WNY every year, Gateway Longview is hoping to get more foster parents soon.
It's something that current foster parents Marla and Jeff Walter say has been the biggest joy of their lives.
"For us, opening our homes is opening our hearts," Marla said, "and making sure that they know there are people out there that do love them."
Gateway Longview will be holding an open house in June for prospective new foster parents, for more information visit their website here.
