ROCKWELL — Earlier this week, Nazareth Child & Family Connection announced that it has been awarded a large grant from the Joey Logano Foundation. The grant is intended to be used towards the recruitment of new families for the organization’s foster care program.  

This grant will allow the organization to expand its reach and make a meaningful impact on the lives of children in need. There is a significant shortage in foster homes. Last year, Nazareth received 693 referrals for foster care but was only able to accept 11 due to not having beds for them. In N.C., foster care homes dropped 23 percent from 2021 to 2022. That means there are only about 5,500 foster homes available for the 10,200 foster kids. 

This grant will allow Nazareth to create new ways to recruit more families. It also represents a significant milestone for the organization, as it is the first time it has received support from the Joey Logano Foundation. Nazareth is committed to ensuring that these funds are utilized effectively and ethically to further its mission of providing a safe and nurturing environment for children in foster care. 

“We are honored to receive the support from Joey Logano Foundation and are looking forward to a long-term relationship,” Director of Foster Care and Adoption Services Shawn Squirewell said. 

Nazareth would like to express its deepest gratitude to the Joey Logano Foundation for its generous support and belief in Nazareth’s cause. Its contribution will undoubtedly make a difference in the lives of many children and families in our community.