Foster Friends Founder Recognized
Dean Simon, founder of Foster Friends, is 1 of 3 finalist for the Acadiana Hero Award – sponsored by Giles and KLFY TV10’s . Please support his cause and organization by voting here.
How Dean’s efforts have made a difference in the community for the better.
Dean’s passion for the helping foster children has had a ripple effect throughout his company and the local community. He now allows all of his employees the opportunity to take time off of work (with pay) to volunteer at a Christmas party for the foster children. Dean’s efforts have definitely impacted the lives of several children. At one Christmas party, I saw him teaching a young boy how to operate a video camera. He takes the time to encourage and mentor children! Here’s a link to a video that shows the impact his efforts have had on local children… https://youtu.be/9SZHhCU_lmo
How becoming Acadiana’s Local Hero will further Dean’s cause.
Dean’s main goal is simply to raise public awareness about the need for foster and adoptive families for children. He also strives to provide unexpected blessings for the foster children in th
e Acadiana. Many people may have never considered fostering a child, but I know Dean would want all recognition to go towards helping the children find a permanent, loving home (he wouldn’t necessarily want personal recognition).
Why this finalist is deserving of Acadian’s Local Hero.
In many companies, employees come together at Christmas time to buy their boss a gift; however, at Universal ComOne, Dean never desired such attention. In fact, he has always requested that a donation be made in lieu of any gifts. Then, in 2014, Dean decided to create an organized effort (later termed FOSTER FRIENDS) to specifically bless the foster children in the Acadiana area. He met with the Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS) to determine the greatest needs. His heart ached for the children who currently have no identifiable adoption placement, so he immediately decided to focus his time and money on blessing those children.
He partnered with Community Foundation of Acadiana to begin a fund. He started the fund with $5 of his own money, and then quickly began raising money and asking friends, family, and business contacts to support the cause. 
FOSTER FRIENDS evolved into a community-wide effort where local organizations and individuals can now donate and contribute their time to help bless the foster children in Acadiana. Dean is passionate about raising public awareness about the need for foster and adoptive families for children, and he is incredibly dedicated to making foster children feel extra special at Christmas time, for their birthday and throughout the year.
He also enjoys mentoring older children/ teens to help them reach their potential career goals.
Please share Dean’s great work with all of your friends, and donate to his organization by clicking on the link below.
