(New Philadelphia, Ohio) – Three local organizations are teaming up to enhance an existing program that will further serve children in the local foster care system.
Tuscarawas County Job and Family Services has been partnering with Newsymom LLC (Newsymom.com) for more than three years to facilitate the Birthday Buddy Program. The program is sponsored and coordinated by the Newsymom team.
Each month, Newsymom Program Coordinator, Tamika Jones, is given a list of children that will be celebrating their Birthdays in the upcoming month and who are also currently enrolled in the local foster care program. Jones then hand writes personalized messages and Birthday wishes on cards along with a small gift for each child. She then delivers those items to the JFS office in New Philadelphia.
Tori Noah, General Manager at New Towne Mall in New Philadelphia, connected with Newsymom to get involved with the program. Noah and her team are now creating a ‘Birthday party in a bag,’ that will be included in the Birthday surprise for each child.
“I am excited to partner with Newsymom and the Birthday Buddy Program,” said Noah. “My goal is to ensure our center provides the best experience for our guests, while serving the community with a safe meeting place.”
The first delivery as part of this new, enhanced program was made for children celebrating their Birthdays in February.
“We are so thankful for David Haverfield and everyone at JFS for allowing us the privilege of coordinating the Birthday Buddy program for more than three years now,” added Newsymom Executive Director, Michaela Madison. “And we are thrilled to welcome Tori and her team at New Towne Mall as they help us make it even better!”
If you are interested in learning more about becoming a foster care parent, please contact the Tuscarawas County Jobs and Family Services at 330-339-7791.