Celtics HEROES AMONG US
In recognition of National Adoption Month and the tens of thousands of children waiting for adoption, the Celtics and MSPCC* are proud to honor Darlene and Gary Ratliff with the Boston Celtics Heroes Among Us Award at The Celtics home game on Wednesday, November 18, 2009. This Award recognizes the Ratliff’s for their unique humanitarian spirit and exceptional contributions to our community.
Darlene was a teacher at a school for the deaf and saw firsthand the obstacles that deaf students and their families have to overcome. When she learned that some of these children did not have a family or a permanent home, Darlene and her husband, Gary, knew they had to take action. They opened their home and hearts to four deaf boys through adoption and foster care. They have given these boys a nurturing, loving home and a real chance for a bright future.
The Ratliff's are very active in MSPCC’s Kid’s Net program. They attend MSPCC’s Kid's Net Trainings and support groups facilitated by the Kid's Net Foster Parent Liaison. They have used the respite program and have been respite providers. They have sent the boys to a camp for the deaf with MSPCC’s help. They have also benefited from the "summer fun" tickets for family outings such as Canobie Lake, Six Flags, and AMC movie passes.
"National Adoption Month is a time to celebrate families like the Ratliff’s and raise awareness about the adoption of children currently in foster care," said Marylou Sudders, President and CEO of MSPCC, “here in Massachusetts there are 2,400 children currently in foster care awaiting adoption. The MSPCC is honored to have helped the Ratliff family and grateful for the Celtics Shamrock Foundation’s generous support over the years.”
To learn about adoption, please visit http://www.actofloveadoption.com.
* MSPCC is proud to be a community partner of the Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation.