A fun-filled day at the park

City, school and college officials partner up for annual Thrive event to support local foster families

On Saturday, school and college officials are partnering up to support foster families for Thrive, an annual event taking place at Bouquet Canyon Park, in Saugus.

The city of Santa Clarita donated the park space, and staff from the Hart, Saugus Union and Sulphur Springs school districts teamed up with COC and a pair of local churches—Grace Baptist and Real Life Church—in order to put on the event, said Lauren Frey, the Saugus Union School District’s homeless and foster youth liaison, and one of the event’s organizers.

“The purpose behind it is just to provide a funfilled day for our foster families to come, and the parents would have time to relax and network and take advantage of community resources,” Frey said. “And it’s also a time for kids to do things with other adults and to enjoy other positive role models for kids,” she added, mentioning opportunities for new mentorship for the children.

The event is not just for the children, Frey noted, as parents will have a chance to gain certification hours. There’s also information for prospective foster parents, as well.

“We’re going to have (the Department of Child and Family Services) and other resources if people are interested in becoming foster parents,” Frey said.

The effort, which is in its second year, is funded by a grant from Los Angeles County.

“It’s great to see local schools and communitybased organizations host great like this one,” said Tony Bell, spokesman for Supervisor Kathryn Barger, “to support foster families.”

The event starts at 9 a.m. at the park and runs until 1:30 p.m.

There’s also a lunch being provided through donations by Chick-fil-A and Jersey Mike’s.

There will also be prizes and giveaways for the children in attendance.

There’s no reservations necessary for foster families, but if attendees would like to have lunch, they can RSVP with Frey at LaurenFrey@saugususd.org.