Waterloo and Cedar Falls officials proclaim May 2026 Foster Care Month; Four Oaks urges more foster families

Mayors Danny Laudick of Cedar Falls and Dave Boesen of Waterloo read a joint proclamation declaring May 2026 Foster Care Month and urged residents to support local foster-care efforts.

Michelle Shepherd of Four Oaks thanked the mayors and said the community faces a significant shortage of homes for children in care. "We are in desperate need of more foster families," Shepherd said, and she encouraged anyone interested to contact Four Oaks Foster Care and Adoption to begin licensing and registration.

The proclamation text recited a series of "whereas" clauses that emphasized children’s growth and development, the role of foster, kinship and adoptive families in helping children heal, and the network of nonprofits, volunteer mentors, educators and government agencies that support long-term stability for youth in care. The text said both cities "urge residents to recognize the significance of foster care and honor the individuals and organizations committed to improving the lives of children and youth in foster care."

Speakers highlighted local ways to help beyond fostering: donations to Caden's Closet (for toys, clothes, car seats and cribs), volunteer support from Cedar Valley Angels (which runs a monthly "love box" and participates in Operation Santa), and partnerships with Foster Squad from Des Moines. Shepherd listed practical actions such as babysitting, providing meals, lawn care or running household errands to help foster families who often receive little notice before a placement.

The group also noted a local graduation for youth in foster care next week at the Van G. Miller Center, where 10 students are scheduled to finish high school; speakers said young people often leave foster care when they graduate and need community support during that transition.

On workforce and capacity, Shepherd said that "on any given day we have about a 35% deficit of foster homes for our children across the state," and that the highest need is for sibling groups and teenagers. She added that respite care is available but requires licensed providers and that some standards and training requirements for respite are changing and are not yet fully implemented.

The proclamation is ceremonial; no formal vote was recorded. Organizers urged residents to reach out to Four Oaks and partner nonprofits to learn about fostering, donations and volunteer opportunities.