A fall fest with a truly remarkable cause, the Fayetteville Foster Care Fall Fest will take place on Oct. 21st at the Kiwanis Recreation Center located at 352 Devers Street from 2 to 5 p.m. This event is free, open to the public, and an opportunity for community members interested in becoming foster parents to learn about the process and provide support for those who are currently fostering.

The schedule of events includes a chili cookoff starting at 2 p.m., trick or treating and a kids’ costume contest from 3 to 5:30 p.m. All chili aficionados should try their skills for a chance to win an apron and trophy and sign up for the cookoff. There are plenty of spots open. Anyone interested in signing up can email Stephanie Miles, clinical supervisor for the LifeSet program at Youth Villages, at stephanie.colgrove@youthvillages.org.

“Personally, I do what I do because I want to be the help and change I needed when I was younger. I want to make a difference in a positive way to others and my community,” she said.

Entertainment will be provided by For You Sounds D.J. Entertainment. Attendees will also be able to enjoy games and vendors while learning more about the foster care program from local organizations that include Family Services of America, Cumberland County DSS, Fayetteville Urban Ministries and Carolina Treatment Center.

Vendor spots are available for local businesses and organizations. All those interested should email Miles as soon as possible.

Not only will this event be packed full of fun and food, but with a purpose. Stephanie Miles says, “Foster Care Fall Fest is intended to bring together the community to raise awareness and provide resources to and about foster care individuals and agencies,” said Miles.

“Its purpose is to provide information about available resources that can help the foster care community. This is foster youth, foster parents, group homes, adoptive parents and anyone that feels like they want to help and learn more.”

Youth Villages is hosting this year’s event.

“[The organization] is a force for families, nonprofit organization. Our mission is to help children and families live successfully. We value providing a safe space and always strive to achieve positive and long-lasting results,” said Miles.

“We are also an organization that’s committed to its staff, and we create new programs to meet the needs of children, families, and the community. We are currently in 26 states and Washington D.C. and have three programs here in Fayetteville. Intercept is our intensive in-home service with a well-supported ranking from the Family First Clearinghouse, LifeSet is our service that helps young adults who are aging out of foster care develop independent living skills, and the Hi-Fidelity Wraparound program.”

Events like these rely heavily on community support.

“Their hard work and collaboration are what makes this event happen. And I would like to thank my supervisor, Kyle Coleman, for the support and guidance with this event,” said Miles.

This year’s event is sponsored by Living Water Church, Fayetteville Cumberland County Parks and Recreation in conjunction with Kiwanis Rec Center, Falcon Children’s Home and the Home Study Services of N.C.

Come out and support the foster community, have some fun and eat some chili.