“Instead of growing in my belly, they grew in my heart.”

For local foster parents that quote is true.

On Thursday night, foster parents will be honored with a foster parents appreciation, but the public is invited at 7 p.m., to learn more about the need for more foster parents.

Covington County DHR Director Lesa Syler said that she has invited Jason Johnson of Christian Alliance for Orphans, who will talk about the important role foster parents play.

Johnson is a writer and speaker who encourages families and equips churches in their foster care and adoption journeys so they can find the hope and support they need along the way.

“We are inviting anyone in the community to come out and listen to Jason,” Syler said. “We have been working hard to partner with our community and he works with the community to build partnerships.”

Since DHR has been working to partner with local churches, a special pastor’s breakfast will be held Friday morning as well for all area pastors who are interested in knowing more about foster care and how their congregations can help fill the community’s need.

There are currently just shy of 50 children in foster care in the county.

Syler said the event on Thursday is at Southside Baptist Church in Andalusia.