The Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services is sponsoring movie screenings of “Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot” throughout the state in hopes of encouraging more families and communities to foster or adopt. “Sound of Hope” is inspired by the true story of a rural East Texas community that adopted 77 children.

With almost 4,000 children in Mississippi’s foster care system, MDCPS looks to show how loving families can make a difference in the lives of children involved in foster care. Its goal is to try to keep children with relatives and within their own communities whenever possible.

Children lose so much when they enter foster care: of course, their families, but also their belongings, pets, connections to schools, and friends, the department explained in a news release announcing the screenings. Minimizing the trauma children experience in the foster system is part of the department’s mission, and with almost 4,000 children in care, more foster and adoptive families are needed.

“Foster parents play a crucial role in our work. Without these dedicated individuals stepping forward daily to care for Mississippi’s children, we could not fulfill our mission. We hope “The Story of Possum Trot” screenings will inspire and motivate others to consider becoming foster parents,” said Marcus Davenport, director of wellbeing and permanency.

A screening of “Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot” will be held in Meridian at 10:30 a.m. Aug. 3 at the Golden Ticket Theater. The event is free and open to the public to come and see the impact a community can have on children in the foster system.

Those interested in attending the showing can register ahead of time by calling 769-895-0019.

To learn more about Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services visit mdcps.ms.gov. If anyone suspects a child is experiencing abuse or neglect, they can contact the MDCPS hotline at 800-222-8000.