Just in time for Foster Care Month, Crown Heights couple Wanda Alavarez and Herman Cruz were named Foster Parents of the Year for their service to the philanthropic group, Rising Ground.

Rising Ground provides caring support and proven paths to positive change, helping children, adults and families rise above adversity.

May is National Foster Care Month. It is a time to recognize the roles that individuals can play in enhancing the lives of children and youth in foster care.

For over 25 years, Alavarez and Cruz have impacted dozens of children's lives in the foster care system. During that period, they fostered over 10 children.

They have been working with Rising Ground, a partner of the Administration of Children's Services, for the last five years. They currently have a 7-year-old child in their care.

The work is not always easy, but the support and love they give impacts the children in a big way.

Vice President of Foster Care Programs at Rising Ground Debra McCall said, "We want our children in care to feel like they are just going to spend time with you know someone who loves and cares for them. We don't want it to seem like they are in 'foster care' and take away that stigma."

Rising Ground is always looking for foster parents to foster children and young adults up to 21 years old.

Anyone is capable of making a difference in the same way that Wanda Alvarez and Herman Cruz have.