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An upcoming family 5k run to support children in need this month

ALPENA, Mich. — Children in our area are in need of a loving home. the need for foster families has pushed the Child and Family Services of Northeast Michigan to bring back its family 5–k fun day.

Whether you walk or run, all proceeds benefit children of neglect and abuse, homelessness, and kids with special needs. The agency has shared an unsettling fact on their welfare. At least 13,000 Michigan children are in foster care.

Executive director Stephanie Dettloff said ideal families think they have to attain a certain financial status in order to be foster parents. She said that’s not true.

“I think there’s a lot of myths and misunderstanding what it’s like to work within the system and the field of foster care,” said Dettloff, “If we’re working toward reunification with parents so that children can return home to an environment that’s safe and nurturing or whether those efforts lead to a child remaining in the foster care program and then going on toward the permanency of adoption.”

The 5K race begins August 24 at Green Park (Alpena County Fairgrounds). Prices are $15 for adults (18+) and $10 for children. Kids under the age of eight are welcome to participate at no charge.

Registration opens at 8 a.m. The race begins at 9 a.m.

For questions, contact Stephanie Dettloff at 989-356-4567 Ext. 218 or detloffs@cfsnemi.org.

Mail or drop off checks and registration forms to 1044 US-23 N. Alpena, MI 49707. Downloadable registration form: CFS Family Fun Run Pdf