Each year advocates all over the United States come together to recognize National Foster Care Month.
With nearly 400,000 American children in the foster care system in any given day, the need for safe and loving foster homes is as critical now as it has ever been. Fortunately, community partners have stepped forward to help spread the word and to give back to a population of young people others may have given up on.
Jose Valencia (his friends know him as Lupe) has emerged as one such partner for Necco through his two Mexican restaurants located in Cabell County, WV. His establishments, East Tenampa and West Tenampa have raised much-needed funding on behalf of Necco of Huntington's We Build Families Fund. The proceeds are used to fund directly the many activities and special events that are not covered by daily per diems in the care of foster youth. Their generosity has ensured that kids in foster care are afforded more of the same types of extras that may seem commonplace to anyone who grew up with stable family supports. Lupe says he chose Necco as a partner "Because I care about kids and want to help spread the word that each person can help a child who is a victim of abuse or neglect."
Lupe has generously allowed Necco several opportunities over the last year to host "Dine & Donate" events that give back a portion of the day's sales to the We Build Families Fund. We sure appreciate him and his family, and encourage our supporters to stop by and pay him a visit the next time you're in the area. Thanks Lupe!
#WeBuildFamilies