Meet Elvira and Calvin Northington of WNYFAPA

Meet Elvira and Calvin Northington of WNYFAPA

We thought you should get to know our Buffalo-based Parent Group, WNYFAPA (that’s Western New York Foster and Adoptive Parent Association). Going strong since 2003, this group has advocated for foster and adoptive families through cooperation and partnership with other agencies in their area.

One of the most frequent comments from parents throughout the pandemic has been the stress of doing everything through a screen. School, visitations, and other appointments are conducted virtually which can be a hardship, especially when a family lacks the necessary technology to carry out these activities. The Coalition was able to help by donating 13 Chromebooks to families that needed them. Even with this support, it has remained a difficult time for many children who respond better to closer connections.

To provide a time of enjoyment and celebration for their families, Elvira is determined to do WNYFAPA’s holiday celebration this year. She plans on creating a drive-through celebration where she and Calvin can put holiday packages and gifts into foster and adoptive families’ cars as they drive by. These packages will consist of family-centric activities such as games and cookie making kits. Their holiday celebration is always the biggest one of the year and COVID was not going to stop them from coming up with a unique and alternative solution.

Families will be positively impacted because of the creativity and tenacity of dedicated parent group leaders like Calvin and Elvira. Support the Coalition as we support all of them by making a donation now!