Fosterful

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Who we are

]We are a volunteer-led non-profit organization that works to provide trauma-informed, personalized support to foster children and caregivers in Southwest Washington, creating stability and belonging through meaningful connections and vital resources.

Our vision is that every child in foster care may experience permanency and belonging through tangible resources and meaningful connections with their community.

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What we do

Our services span a range of support measures aimed at creating a comprehensive and holistic approach to improving the lives of Caregivers and children within the foster care system. We believe in a proactive and trauma-informed approach to care that begins the moment a child is brought into protective custody and remains a constant until the end of their journey with foster care. 

Caregiver Support Project: The Caregiver Support Project is designed to provide hands-on, personalized assistance to foster and kinship families right where they need it most: in their homes and community. We work alongside caregivers to create customized care plans, ensuring every child and family receives the right level of support.

Caring Companions: When children enter foster care, they often face hours alone, waiting in child welfare offices for placement. Our Caring Companions volunteers provide emotional support during this challenging transition. They provide care and companionship to youth in various ways including, sitting with children in child welfare offices, giving them thoughtfully-packed backpacks filled with necessities to ease transition into foster care, assisting caseworkers by engaging with children so staff can focus on finding proper placement, or supporting families seeking mental health services. 

Heart & Home Services:Foster families deserve more than just placement support—they need a strong foundation of resources, education, and community. We provide practical support, education, and community connection for foster families like: Empowering learning opportunities for caregivers and youth, community building through connective and supportive spaces, seasonal items that ensure every child receives essentials throughout the year, and hands-on help through home clean-ups and team-building projects. 

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Why we do this crucial work

Children navigating the foster care system often find themselves in a state of limbo, whether they're awaiting placement in a long-term home or being moved from one caregiver to another. This period of uncertainty can be incredibly daunting for them, perhaps one of the most unsettling times they'll ever face. However, having a caring adult, a nurturing environment, and basic necessities during this journey can provide much-needed comfort and support, helping to mitigate the trauma these children endure. Our volunteers play a crucial role in alleviating the burden on Social Workers and Caregivers by tending to the immediate needs of the children and making a tangible difference in the foster care community.