ROCHESTER, NY – During the month of January, the Irish Children’s Program of Rochester will be holding informational meetings to introduce families to the unique opportunity of hosting a child from Belfast, Northern Ireland this July. Meetings will be held in various locations around the Rochester area to introduce interested families to the joys and fulfillment of welcoming these children into their homes as part of the programs’ mission to strengthen the peace in Northern Ireland.
The ICP looks for families with children ages 9-15 years old but host families do come in many different varieties. From singles, married
couples, to empty-nesters, all are welcome. The one thing hosts have in common is a warm and welcoming spirit to treat these children as a member of the family and share the diversity of the American way of life. Hosting doesn’t take anything fancy, expensive or time-consuming as the Belfast children quickly become part of the family. It is the simple things and the new friendships that create the most valued memories taken back to Belfast.
While staying with host families in the Rochester area, the Belfast children, and their host families, participate in many fun activities
which offer them the opportunity to interact with each other in order to strengthen the peace and understanding between the them. The children return to Belfast richer in their appreciation of each other and continue these friendships while breaking down the psychological and physical barriers which have been built over the centuries. Rochester families experience a truly unique experience and, quite possibly, a lifelong relationship.
Interested families must attend one of these meetings in order to be considered to host a child. For information on hosting a Belfast child
this July, go to www.irishchildrensprogram.com or www.facebook.com/irishchildrensprogram for locations and times of these meetings.
