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News Release

DATE: June 23, 2010
CONTACT: Johanna VanRenterghem
PHONE: (419) 224-2279

For Immediate Release

Healing Hearts, Healing Lives
SAFY Recognizes Bill and Diane Rieman of Ottawa

SAFY (Specialized Alternatives for Families and Youth) recently acknowledged extraordinary foster families who have opened their hearts and homes to foster youth throughout the state. The theme for the annual ceremony held in Columbus was: Healing Hearts, Healing Lives. The event marked the twenty-sixth year in which SAFY acknowledged, honored and rewarded those families who truly embody and excel in the treatment foster care arena. This year’s award winners included Bill and Diane Rieman of Ottawa.

Recognized for their 25 years of service, Bill and Diane have been with SAFY since 1985. During their tenure, more than 73 children have been placed in their home, three of whom they’ve adopted. The couple’s commitment to enriching the lives of children and their continuous ability to see the world through a child’s eyes make their home a stable environment for youth in crisis.

"Bill and Diane have continued year after year to go above and beyond in their service to SAFY," says Dru Whitaker , CEO of SAFY. "They have provided a loving, nurturing and stable home to children with very complex medical needs. They continue to care for those with a lot of physical challenges which require special equipment and home health aides coming into their home."

The Riemans’ success in fostering children can be attributed to their ability to empathize and see the world through their children’s eyes. "They are true advocates for their children and have ensured they experience the same things we want all our children to experience," Whitaker adds. "They have helped many children experience amazing things." Children in the Rieman household participate in school functions including sporting events, social activities and prom.

Many of the children the Riemans have fostered continue to live with them past their foster care years. Bill and Diane’s support allows them to attend college and prepare for independent living.

SAFY is a leading not for profit foster care and adoption agency headquartered in Delphos, Ohio. Each year, SAFY serves 4,300 difficult-to-place foster children in eight states. SAFY utilizes trained treatment foster families to provide these youth with a caring, stable environment. For more information or to learn more about becoming a foster parent, contact SAFY at 800-532-7239 or visit our website at www.safy.org.

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