There are numerous options to build the mission of Fostering Connections , from monetary donations to inkind new items , as well as volunteering opportunities . For education and career development , individuals can also act as a job coach or mentor to assist in a foster child ’ s longterm success .
But Fostering Connection isn ’ t the only local organization supporting foster families .
In Volusia County , Kidd ’ s Are First endeavors to benefit children--fostered , orphaned , or disadvantaged--in the surrounding area . Marie Bonham saw a need to bring essential items to children in the foster care system that state , local and federal governments did not provide . It was founded in 2002 and operates on a 100 % volunteer basis . Clothing donations often stock the unique KRFashions boutique . The store , which opened in 2010 , is a completely free resource where children can “ shop ” for outfits and accessories , as well as school supplies , toys , uniforms and sports equipment .
Kids First Florida is a nonprofit organization that supports children who have or are experiencing abuse or neglect , specifically in Clay County . According to their website , the organization is responsible for finding and funding safe and appropriate housing when returning home is not an option . Information for this entity can be found at
https :// kidsfirstofflorida . org /.
Intervention Before Separation
Founded in 1902 as an orphanage , Children ’ s Home Society ( CHS ) has served Florida for nearly 120 years . With support throughout the state , their core mission , “ Building bridges of success for children ” is a pivotal cornerstone of an overarching goal : intervention before separation .
Regional Director of Northeast Florida , Ernie Hamilton ,
has been serving families in various capacities for 29 years . Though he acknowledges separation of families may be required at times , “ Our long-term goal is to keep that family together , that unit together , because we know that children thrive when they have the security of their family .”
To drive the mission , CHS employs multiple programs to mitigate family separation . Programs range from the Healthy Start initiative , which provides prenatal information , to the Healthy Family program , which supports parents with newborns , and continues to the Community Partnership School program , providing a range of interventions and resources to meet the needs of each family and adapt as those requirements shift . Additionally , they connect families to mental health and counseling support in the local area . With the goal of keeping the nuclear unit intact , introducing a foster family placement is a final method , with the intention of reunification whenever possible .
“ We are more of a support service to the child , we have our clinical programs , we have therapy throughout the schools , within the family unit . There are just all types of things . It ’ s fascinating . We really get to see the turn or the evolution of the child ,” says Hamilton .
But he also knows the organization cannot do their work and be successful operating as an independent agency . “ It definitely takes a community collaboration ,” he says , noting that most of all , children require love and care , whether they are in a foster home or not .
Foster parenting may not be accessible to every household , but there are countless ways to support children and families in care . Whether it ’ s donating money , offering a skills or trade class , or even supplying a family with a complimentary service , like haircuts or mechanic work , the possibilities to uplift the local foster families and children are as plentiful as the talents amongst community members .
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