Free house, car available for aspiring foster parents

Free house, car available for aspiring foster parents
By TONY HOLT

Hernando Today

Published: July 31, 2009

BROOKSVILLE - There is a unique opportunity out there for two couples who have lost their homes and jobs.

A nonprofit organization is offering two local couples a free house and car. All they need is a foster license and a willingness to care for up to five children.

Fostering Hope Florida is searching for two active married couples to become foster parents and live in one of the Hope Houses in New Port Richey and Spring Hill.

"We're still looking for the best couples, the best families," said Gloria West-Lawson, of Fostering Hope Florida out of Clearwater. "We're going to interview at least six couples in the next 90 days."

To become a licensed foster parent and to be eligible for the program, a couple must complete a 10-week training course - Model Approach Parenting Partnership (MAPP).

The couples do not raise the children alone. They receive assistance six hours per week, per child, said West-Lawson, who is the president of Fostering Hope and sits on the executive committee.

"They live there for free in exchange for caring for the children," she said. "They get to stay at home and be parents."

The program has been endorsed by the Hernando County Foster and Adoptive Association, which helps assign parents for local foster kids, West-Lawson said.

Fostering Hope serves Hernando, Pasco and Pinellas counties. It's a nonprofit organization that relies on donations and grants for its funding, according to its Web site.

It currently has Hope Houses in Hernando and Pasco, but its goal for this year is to raise $40,000 for a down payment on a home in Pinellas County.

Those who would like to learn more about the program can e-mail West-Lawson at gloria@fosteringhopeflorida.com.

Reporter Tony Holt can be reached at 352-544-5283 or wholt@hernandotoday.com.

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