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New Executive Director, Stefany Lang, has been chosen to lead the Maryland Resource Parents Association.
Stefany Lang has been selected as the new executive director of the Maryland Resource Parents Association (MRPA), which represents foster and kinship parents throughout the state.
Lang and her husband, Chris, are active foster parents in Calvert County, where they have fostered 11 children since they became foster parents in 2013. Lang is also president of the Calvert County Foster Parent Association and a co-facilitator of the county’s training for new foster parents (called PRIDE). There, she has instituted monthly support group meetings and foster family events, as well as serving as a resource for the questions and concerns for local foster parents.
As MRPA executive director, Lang hopes to bring that same support to foster and kinship parents statewide. “I have a true passion for being a foster parent,” says Lang, whose family consists of three biological children, two adopted children, and two children who are part of their family through guardianship, ranging in age from 7 to 31. “I want to try and make the foster care experience as smooth and painless as possible for the families and the children in Maryland.”
Lang and her husband became foster parents when the youngest of her biological daughters was a junior in high school. While they originally thought they would foster infants or toddlers, their first placement was a sibling set of three, ages 8, 9, and 12, one of whom they later adopted.
One of Lang’s favorite quotes is “It takes a village to raise a child.” “I believe we, as foster parents, are that village,” she says. “Being there for the children and their families is what makes foster parenting so fulfilling.”
Before becoming a foster parent, Lang was social media manager for the company Recorded Books. She also works as an adoptive parent mentor and runs a support group for Adoptions Together, a local adoption organization. In addition, Lang and her husband are active volunteers for the Special Olympics of Calvert County, where they have coached 5 sports and raised over $40,000.
Lang will be only the second executive director at MRPA, taking over the role from Arnie Eby, who turned what had been a volunteer role into a paid position in 2019 to reflect the larger role MRPA has played. Eby is now executive director of the National Foster Parent Association.
MPRA represents public foster and kinship parents throughout Maryland. Its executive director and board members work with the state government and other groups to represent the views of foster and kinship parents. The organization supports county-based foster parent groups, as well as individual foster parents through support and training.
What is the MRPA?
Enjoy this replay of our April, 2024 session outlining the mission and purpose of the Maryland Resource Parent Association.
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The MRPA does not have formal membership.
There are no fees of any kind to enjoy our resources. They are freely available to all Resource Parents! You are welcome to attend our Zoom sessions and to utilize anything you find on our website. We’re glad you found us and look forward to assisting in your journey as a Resource Parent.
So…. how do you get involved? There are many options!
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Keeping Resource Parents In the Know
MRPA Community News
News for Resource Parents: (AP News) Trump signs order to strengthen US child welfare system
NEW YORK (AP) — Tackling a lower-profile issue for the White House, President Donald Trump signed an executive order Wednesday aimed at strengthening child-welfare programs nationwide. It comes as child-protection agencies across the U.S. struggle with effects related...
U of MD School of Social Work: Fall 2020 Resource Parent Conference Planning Survey (Your Response Is Requested!)
Resource Parent conferences are hosted semi annually through a partnership between the Child Welfare Academy, Maryland Resource Parent Association, Maryland DHS, and the local Departments of Social Services. Given ongoing health concerns about large trainings and...
MD Foster Care Parent Survey – Your Participation as a Resource Parent is Needed!
We would like to invite you to respond to a survey that is being conducted as a joint effort between MARFY (Maryland Association for Resource Families and Youth) and the MRPA. We know there have been lots of changes since the pandemic and we want your feedback! We...
Pandemic-Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT)
MRPA would like to share this information from the Maryland DHS about this food program for foster care youth. The DHS Note on the attached follows. Please share the attached (see below) Pandemic-Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) information, which is being provided...
Barnosky Bike Shed – Bike Donations Info
Bike Donations MRPA would like to share this wonderful bike donation program for children in foster care. To learn more or to contact Barnosky Bike, please see their Facebook page! https://www.facebook.com/TheBarnoskyBikeShed The following is taken from their Facebook...
MDHS Foster Parents of the Year: Amy and Michael Bagley, Charles County
As National Resource Parents Day approaches this weekend, we applaud Amy and Michael Bagley for their nomination as the Charles County 2020 Resource Parent(s) of the Year. The Bagely family provides integral support to youth in care and for that we thank them.
MDHS Foster Parents of the Year: Michon Semon, Howard County
Cheers to Michon Semon for her nomination as the Howard County 2020 Resource Parent(s) of the Year. We truly appreciate her nurturing spirit towards youth in care as well as her advocacy and trust. Thank you.
MDHS Foster Parents of the Year: Tylor and Katie Johnson, Washington County
Tylor and Katie Johnson are truly an asset to children in foster care and their families. The Johnson’s provide exceptional care to all that enter their home. It brings us joy to announce them as the Washington County 2020 Resource Parent(s) of the Year.
The MRPA Mission
Our Mission is to provide support service to all Resource Families in the state of Maryland. Membership in the Association shall be open to all Resource Parents.
MRPA supports foster, adoptive, kinship and guardianship parents all across the state of Maryland.
Whether you are a current resource parent, a prospective resource parent, or a child welfare professional, MRPA is there to support you.
We realize it takes all of us working together to give children in need a stable, loving family.
