In recognition of March as Parent Awareness Month, Oakland County Chairman Michael J. Gingell honored Michigan’s Foster Parents of the Year, Lake Orion’s Judy Wright and John Wright (posthumously), at the Thursday, March 21, Oakland County Board of Commissioners meeting in Pontiac.
On November 9, 2012, John Wright passed away after the couple received the Foster Parents of the Year Award from the Michigan Supreme Court State, Court Administrative Office, and Michigan Foster Care Review Board in November of 2012.
The Wrights saved Baby J whom they nursed back to health after many medical professionals believed the child would perish due to the fact that she was born prematurely weighing only 4 1/2 pounds along with 27 illnesses and critical medical diagnosis which included being born blind and deaf, without a pancreas, and born with neurosyphillis which left her with raw and skinless hands and feet.
For 10 years, the Wrights have opened up their hearts and homes to 52 foster children taking in the most critical who were drug exposed and addicted. They offered 24-hour around-the-clock-care.
“Our mission has always been to encourage other parents to step up to provide hurting children a safe, loving home,” Judy Wright, said of her and her late husband John’s mission. “There are many children who have never experienced unconditional love and acceptance. It’s our belief that his is every child’s right! All we need to do is be ‘available’ to help on child at a time.”
Today, Judy Wright continues to serve as a foster parent and serves as a spokesperson for the Ennis Center for Children Foster Care Program. For those who want to serve as foster parents, call the Ennis Center for Children at 248-334-2715.
