NORFOLK—The Up Center, which has expanded its foster care and adoption services to Western Tidewater, is reaching out to individuals and couples considering foster care or adoption at several local events.

Visitors can learn more at The Up Center’s information booth at the Franklin-Southampton County fair from Aug. 13 to 16, or at the agency’s free, no obligation information session on Saturday, Aug. 16, at noon at FO SHO Italian Sports Grille, 916 W. Atlantic St. in Emporia. Adults age 25 and older are invited to attend, and will receive a complimentary dinner. Interested couples are recommended to attend the information session together.

Agency representatives will provide an overview of the foster care and adoption process and will be on hand to answer questions. Registration is required by contacting Heather Watkins at 757-965-8649 or emailing heather.watkins@theupcenter.org. Foster parents don’t have to be married, own a home, have kids of their own, be a stay-at-home parent, have a college degree or be wealthy to foster or adopt a child.

Foster parents agree that it is a rewarding experience. Two years ago, Natalie, 31, fostered two brothers, 5-year-old Ronnie and 3-year-old Joseph, and has seen tremendous growth in them. Today, she has chosen to adopt the siblings so they can continue on their family’s path together.