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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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Watch Facebook for valuable ‘MRPA Presents’ sessions on topics that support your role as a Maryland Resource Parent.
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Review docs we’ve made available to our audience to find resources you need.
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Keeping Resource Parents In the Know
MRPA Community News
MDHS Foster Parents of the Year: Tiffany Patterson, Harford County
Today we highlight Tiffany Patterson for her well-deserved nomination as the Harford County 2020 Resource Parent(s) of the Year. We thank you for your structure, consistency, and more importantly unconditional love towards our youth in care
MDHS Foster Parents of the Year: Daniel and Melanie Andrew, Caroline County
We are thrilled to announce Daniel and Melanie Andrew as the 2020 Resource Parent(s) of the Year for Caroline County. The Andrew family are responsible caregivers with big hearts who truly understand the foster care process. We cannot thank them enough.
A Message from the DHS Resource Parent Ombudsman Jenny Jumbelick: Foster Care Month
Every May, dating back to 1988, when President George H.W. Bush proclaimed May as National Foster Care Month, the Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) takes the opportunity to acknowledge and recognize the tremendous contributions of resource parents....
National Foster Care Month, Day 21
As the Executive Director of the Maryland Resource Parent Association, I get the privilege to work alongside many dedicated resource families and staff who are committed to the children of Maryland. Everyday this caring group of individuals give tirelessly of...
MDHS Foster Parents of the Year: April & Amanda Loomis, Baltimore County
Representing Baltimore County, April & Amanda Loomis have fostered over 15 children making them more than qualified nominees of the 2020 Resource Parent(s) of the Year. The Loomis’ optimism, positivity, and commitment to the care of foster youth are unmatched....
MDHS Foster Parents of the Year: Denise & Taalib Smith, Talbot County
Cheers to our Talbot County 2020 Resource Parent(s) of the Year nomination, Denise & Taalib Smith! You’re effort and dedication to keep our youth safe do not go unnoticed. We are truly honored to celebrate in your nomination.
MDHS Foster Parents of the Year: Scott and Sherron Beach, Frederick County
Kudos to Scott and Sherron Beach from Frederick County for their winning nomination as a 2020 Resource Parent(s) of the Year! The Beach family’s unwavering commitment, openness, and compassion for their children makes their nomination evermore rewarding.
MDHS Foster Parents of the Year: Julia and Jared Steward, Allegany County
Allegany County Department of Social Services proudly presents our Foster Parents of the Year: Julia and Jared Steward The Stewards truly believe in including biological families as a part of fostering and it doesn’t stop when adopted.This year’s theme was “Foster...
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.
