Are you about to be an empty nester because your child is heading off to college in the fall? Or perhaps you never had any children of your own but have time and attention to give to a child in need.

May is National Foster Care Month. Arizona’s foster care system is overwhelmed by a growing number of children removed from their homes because of abandonment, abuse or neglect. The options for their care haven’t kept pace, and foster families are greatly needed—whether single or two-parent. Seniors are also welcome.

There are several agencies throughout the state that offer foster care licensing and training, including some right in the North Central community. Arizona’s Children Association is located at 711 E. Missouri Ave., Ste. 300. To learn more about AzCA’s foster care program, attend a free orientation 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 17, at the AzCA offices. To pre-register (requested), call 602-253-1620, ext. 2663 or e-mail tlocket@arizonaschildren.org.

Catholic Charities has offices at 4747 N. 7th Ave. The nonprofit organization provides adoption and foster care classes, training and support for parents, and kinship foster care coaching. Orientations in May include: 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 9, at the Arizona’s Children Association offices, 711 E. Missouri Ave., and 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 17 at Ameripsych, 2400 W. Dunlap Ave., Ste. 124. No registration required, adults only please.

In addition, Catholic Charities is hosting a free ‘You Make Miracles Happen’ breakfast event on May 17, to honor Arizona’s most vulnerable and those that support them. Visit www.CatholicCharitiesAZ.org/breakfast for more information and to register for the event.

For more information, visit https://www.catholiccharitiesaz.org or e-mail sgramke@cc-az.org.