The New Bern Civitan Club’s Community Service Awards have started. The first for the year were given to the Foster Parents of the Year – Patricia and Mason Skidmore. Pictured above President Dennis Pymm, Community Service Chair Helen Shine, Patricia and Mason Skidmore.
A ceremony in their honor at the Department of Social Services was held recently. Words of praise were abounding from their supervisor. Comments included:
“This family has gone beyond from the very beginning of their fostering career. They have taken difficult respites and formed amazing bond with the teens that have been placed in their home…”
“They always put the needs of the children before their own. Patricia and Mason have an 8-month-old biological son and a 6-year-old daughter ( in custody) with special needs. They are currently fostering a teenage girl. They are a good, hard-working, down-to-earth family that has a desire and heart for fostering.”
“They had two sibling, long-term placements that they mentored to help them learn to do things for themselves and they were also with them when their biological mother passed.”
“These dedicated foster parents continue to amaze with their kind, compassionate manner when dealing with all ages of children who need placement. They are willing to listen to the children and provide age-appropriate feedback to children on virtually any subject and are sincere and truthful when doing so.”
“The Skidmores are always ready and willing to answer the call to speak to new potential foster parents at our panel nights. They participate in Foster Parent Support Group events as often as their work schedule allows. They are always willing to help wherever they can. For these reasons and many more, we are happy to announce that Patricia and Mason are Foster Parents of the Year!”
As always, thank you again to our Community Service Chair, Helen Shine, who puts all these programs together.