While becoming a licensed foster parent may be the most apparent way to benefit children in foster care, there are several other ways to make a direct impact on the lives of children in care. Whether you’re giving time, money, or material support, the effort you put forth for children in foster care is always recognized and appreciated.
Become a Respite Care Provider
Foster parents are busy bees, and many would appreciate the extra help! After you’re registered and approved to be a respite care provider, take your kiddo to the park and enjoy the weather! In the summer, stop for an ice cream cone or cool off at the movie theater. If it’s too cold, rent some ice skates and embrace the chill while working on a skill together! To learn more and apply, visit dss.mo.gov/respite-care.
Become a Court Appointed Special Advocate
Another way to stand in solidarity with children in foster care is to become a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). There are chapters across the nation, including a St. Louis chapter! CASA is a national association in the United States that supports and promotes court-appointed advocates to stand up and speak out for abused or neglected children in the foster care system. CASA volunteers are compassionate community members who complete training provided by the state or local CASA office. To learn more and sign up, visit nationalcasagal.org/be-a-casa-gal-volunteer.
Volunteer
The Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition is always hosting events and activities for volunteers to help with. Volunteers are the heartbeat of our organization, and our work would not be possible without them. There are volunteer opportunities that fit every schedule and lifestyle. Help pass out backpacks during our Back-to-School Bonanza! Pick up a shift to help tag, sort, and organize donated clothes at our new-and-improved thrift store, ReFresh! Host and supervise some fun as a Foster Friend! Are you connected to a community of those willing to give? Host a clothing or fundraising drive at your place of worship, school, or place of work. To read more about these wonderful volunteer experiences and many more, visit www.foster-adopt.org/volunteer.
Donate
Birthdays and holidays are some of the most exciting times in a child’s life. For some in foster care, traditions, and gifts aren’t attainable due to family finances. At the Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition, there are multiple ways to make these special days brighter for a child in care, by providing a child with a gift of their choice. For example, you can choose to sponsor a kiddo on their birthday by paying for a party, present, or activity they’ve been wanting to try. Our holiday Little Wishes program provides donors with the opportunity to purchase holiday gifts for children in foster care. Our Family Enrichment and Volunteer Team works assiduously to ensure the holiday wishes of thousands of children are granted each year. Click here for more information on Birthday Buddies and Little Wishes!
You can also donate your new and used clothing to our resale store, ReFresh, which provides free/low-cost clothing to children and families impacted by foster care. Click here to learn more about ReFresh.
Finally, the Coalition allows supporters to initiate a monthly pledge or make a one-time donation. You can also donate in a friend’s name, or in memory or honor of a loved one. We also have our Now & Forever Society, a group of some of our most passionate supporters, dedicated to creating sustainably funded, long-term solutions in foster care and adoption. Our Development Staff can help you consider which options might best match your philanthropic goals. Call us at 314-367-8373, or reach us by email at melaniescheetz@foster-adopt.org. Click here to learn more about giving a one-time donation or becoming a monthly donor!
There are a wide variety of ways you can support children in foster care and their families. It’s important to note the significance of togetherness, and the idea that it takes a village to raise a child. The Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition prides itself on providing safe, nurturing homes, and a support system for foster and adoptive families as they fulfill the physical, mental, and emotional needs of the children in their care. Consider joining our mission, For Every Child…A Place to Call Home!