Sherburne County proclaims May 2026 Foster Care Month and honors local foster providers

Sherburne County commissioners on May 19 unanimously approved a proclamation declaring May 2026 Foster Care Month and recognized local foster providers for their service.

Mitch Finnell, licensing and intake unit supervisor with Sherburne County Health and Human Services, read the proclamation and praised foster families and relative caregivers as "the very foundation of our communities," describing foster care as providing "a safe, secure, and stable home" and calling on local institutions and citizens to increase awareness and support.

The board then presented awards. Nathaniel Hines, a Sherburne County social worker, described the recipient of the adult foster care provider of the year award, saying the provider "goes above and beyond for his clients," and the board recognized Kevin, who accepted the award on behalf of his clients. Chelsea Doherty, a licensing social worker, read nominations for child foster care providers Bill and Jessica Worezecha and noted the Warzekas’ focus on keeping siblings together and supporting reunification.

Lisa Holum read the nomination for Haley Doble as youth foster of the year, describing Haley’s progress in coping skills, school performance and community involvement. The board also recognized numerous foster providers for tenure, with service anniversaries ranging from five to more than 30 years.

Commissioners thanked foster families and county staff and invited awardees and their teams to pose for photographs. The proclamation and the awards were approved and received with applause.

The action: the board approved the proclamation as read by motion and voice vote and accepted the award presentations.