The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings upon him) said: “It is a beloved deed to take care of an orphan.” The month of May marks National Foster Care Awareness month. Zakat Foundation of America was invited by the Wake County Human Services (WCHS) in Cary, North Carolina to present an information session. Zakat Foundation of America was also formally recognized at the commissioner’s meeting where the organization was recognized as a child welfare advocate representing the Muslim-American community. The event started with Zakat Foundation of America volunteers giving a brief presentation on Zakat Foundation of America’s Orphan Sponsorship Program (OSP) and the successful 99 Orphans Project. Afterward, WCHS discussed the process of becoming a foster parent and answered questions from an engaged audience. “We need Muslim foster parents,” said Nicki Lyons, Programs Consultant at WCHS. “I am learning more about Muslim culture and we can accommodate your cultural and religious requirements when choosing foster kids.”
“In the U.S., foster kids are closest to orphans in terms of care and help,” said Murat Kose, Zakat Foundation of America’s East Coast Programs Director. “Therefore, we would love to help foster kids in any way we can.”In addition, Zakat Foundation of America has been collecting clothing for foster children, which were donated to WCHS. “Many foster kids will be happy with these items thanks to Zakat Foundation,” Lyons said.
