Kristin Ernst Announced Foster4Love Caseworker of the Year

On Wednesday, December 27, 2017, Foster4Love, a non-profit organization that advocates for children in the foster care system, held a cocktail party and awards ceremony to honor an esteemed group of Department and Children Services (DFCS) employees. The celebratory event was held in downtown Kennesaw at The Venue on Main at 2847 S. Main Street.

Jen Moody, Co-Founder of Foster4Love, presented Sonnett Aigbekaen, Myjia Tucker and Angela Flores, with small gifts of gratitude and recognized these outstanding employees for their dedication to the children. Kristin Ernst was then awarded as the 2017 Caseworker of the Year. Mrs. Ernst was presented with a plaque, a gift bag and a weekend getaway at Panama City Beach, Florida. The awards given during the event, were voted on by the foster families who helped serve the 545 children in foster care.

Mrs. Moody expressed her gratitude on behalf of Foster4Love and the children, “Thank you for the times you stayed late. Thank you for the times you showed up to IEP meetings… When CPS workers stay to help a child feel safer with the foster families, we see that and appreciate that. These things don’t go unnoticed.”

Several special guests were in attendance. Mayor Derek Easterling spoke to the group of government employees. His experience as a former foster parent and as a former Deputy Sheriff gave him a unique perspective that allowed him to connect and empathize with the state employees. He expressed his gratitude for their dedication and their hard work. He stated, “Thanks is not enough thanks.”

City Councilman, James “Doc” Eaton spoke and encouraged the group for going above and beyond. He quoted P.T. Barnum and said, “No one ever made a difference by being like everyone else.”

Also in attendance were Director of Cobb County, Sabrina Watson and Deputy Director of Cobb County DFCS, Carmen Nance.