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The Area Representative Program is information, networking and
support. Very simply, the county is broken into 15 geographic
areas. We recruit one foster parent from each of those areas to
attend a monthly information meeting. We also discuss many areas
of concern (that you perhaps have asked for help with). The Area
Rep then (within a few days) attempts to contact all of those
listed in his/her area to share pertinent information. It might
include training, social events or sometimes just to update you
on whatever the Erie County Foster Parent Association may be
doing, remind you of meetings, etc. They also might ask you
if you are having any problems or concerns that they could help
with or get help for you.
I would encourage you to call your Area Rep at any time, all
of the names and their numbers are listed on the back of every
newsletter. If you are not sure who your Area Rep is, please
feel free to call me. I will tell you who your Rep is or I'll
talk with you. I'm always happy to talk with foster parents,
or call Glen Buchanan at the Agency (Glenn and I are the current
co-coordinators of this program). We also welcome any input that
you might have to make this a better or stronger
information / support resource.
Also, some of you were not sure who the executive board is. The
executive board consists of five people. Four of them elected
and one appointed. The elected officers of the Erie County
Foster Association are:
- President: Bob Riedel
- Vice President: Ron Schroder
- Secretary: Beth Gibson
- Treasurer: Rick Davis
- Appointed Member: Cathleen Achille
Together we attempt to manage the Foster Parent Association and
all work very hard to have knowledgeable speakers at our monthly
meetings, remember those meetings count towards your training
hours. We schedule and work very hard at all of the social
functions like the Zoo Picnic, Waldameer Picnic, Skating Party,
Pizza Party, the Association gives away tickets to baseball
games, car races, etc. We give away door prizes at our meetings
and we frequently have raffles. The Executive Board works very
hard for the Association. These are also the people who try to
help you if you have a serious problem and feel you aren't
getting anywhere alone. You are always welcome to call any
member of the board.
Brenda Ellis
Co-coordinator - Area Rep Program
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