October 2, 2025: Larissa Scott of Tampa Bay 28 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.

“Especially for teenagers and sibling groups, I think just with the economy and everything, the need is always there,” said Kymberlye Smith, Director of Licensing with Children’s Network of Hillsborough.

“Our foster parents are vital,” said Katie MacElroy, Director of Kinship and Licensing with Family Support Services.

Foster parents play a vital role in ensuring children have a safe place to live. “They step in when children are at some of their most unstable moments and just by opening your heart and home, you’re able to provide that love, stability, and really help children thrive,” said MacElroy.

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.

“All children need a safe, loving, encouraging home. And all children deserve to know that they’re worthy of being loved. Anyone considering becoming a foster parent, number one, we applaud you, and we encourage you to come out,” said Ralph Zuckerman, Owner and Founder of Old McMicky’s Farm.

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/.