On February 21, 2015, America's Christian Credit Union joined together with Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services, the cities of Azusa, Glendora, Duarte, and West Covina, Citrus College, Azusa Unified School District, with agencies Bienvenidos, Kidsave, Futuro Infantil Hispano and Raise a Child for a Foster Care and Adoption Parent or Weekend Host Panel Discussion and Expo.
Over 74 families attended the event to learn more about how they can best serve the thousands of children in the Los Angeles County Foster Care System by becoming a foster parent, adopting, hosting and mentoring children.
The Panel was Moderated By Dr. Robert Duke, Professor and Chair, Department of Biblical Studies at Azusa Pacific University who also happens to be a foster and adoptive parent. The Panel consisted of current and former foster youth and foster parents who have collectively fostered over 100 children, many also adopted.
While foster care often provides some funding, the costs of adopting can prevent parents from moving forward. America's Christian Credit Union's Adoption Loan Program has helped over 1,100 children find their forever families. "Days like today make us realize how much potential we have to help these kids thrive in a world that they are barely surviving in. I am inspired and I hope each family walks away from here feeling empowered to make a difference in a child's life," said President and CEO of ACCU, Mendell Thompson.