October 8, 2025: Darlene Greenlee of Bay Focus on Christian Television Network (CTN) met with Katie MacElroy, Licensing and Kinship Director, Family Support Services, Ralph Zuckerman, Owner and Founder, Old McMicky’s Farm and Kymberlye Smith, Director of Foster Care Licensing, Children’s Network of Hillsborough County to talk about Foster Parent Education Day taking place at Old McMicky’s Farm, Odessa on Saturday, October 11, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This free event is open to the public to come learn about the great need for foster parents. Darlene asked about the purpose of the event.

“We really are looking forward to partnering with Old McMicky’s and Children’s Network of Hillsborough County bringing awareness to the need for foster parents and really just to have a morning at the farm that allows folks to come get their questions answered, hear about the supports available to them and explore different agencies that might be available for licensing for them. And so it’s a great opportunity on Saturday, October 11th from 10:00 a.m. to 1 pm. You can register through Old McMicky’s Farm and see if this is the best next step for you.” Katie MacElroy said.

Several agencies across the three counties will be on hand to answer any questions about becoming a foster parent. There will also be foster parents there to share their firsthand experience about this rewarding journey of making a difference in a child’s life and how it changed them as well.

“Old McMicky’s Farm has always contributed to kids and families in our community. All children deserve to know that they’re worth of being loved.” said Ralph Zuckerman, Owner and Founder of Old McMicky’s Farm.

“Fostering keeps children safe and secure while their own family strengthens to come together again.” Smith said.

“As a foster parent, you make an impact.” MacElroy said.

See the full story and segment here.

The event is Saturday, Oct. 11, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., open to anybody in the community considering becoming a foster parent – registration required. To register, visit OldMcMickys.com. The address to the farm is 9612 Crescent Drive in Odessa. After the event, explore the farm with your children!

Unable to attend?

For Pasco and Pinellas county residents, go to FamilySupport.org or Facebook.com/fsssuncoast to find upcoming virtual information sessions if you can’t make it in person. Email recruitment@fsssuncoast.org to get in touch.

For Hillsborough county residents, Children’s Network of Hillsborough can be found at https://childrensnetworkhillsborough.org/fostering/.

Tags: Community-based Care, family support services, Foster Care, foster parent, partnership