Springs Beautiful Redemption

We are holding our annual Kinship/Foster Parent Appreciation Celebration in June 2024 Kinship families are unique in that they take placement of children on an emergency basis who they have a prior relationship with in order to prevent children from being placed in the foster care system. Foster families are such a need in this community and they open their homes to children with no where else to go. Showing our appreciation will ensure we can maintain these vital resources in child welfare and hopefully encourage others to help in ways they are able and advocate for children with DHS involvement. The Kinship/Foster Care Unit is hoping to be able to provide gift cards through a raffle to each family at the event in the amount of $50 for grocery stores, Walmart or Target, or other locations in town where items for the family can be purchased.

I'm currently working with a family I have two little girls who are placed out of the home with a family member. We have asked mother and father on several occasions to provide clothing to the children as they are getting older, and summer is quickly approaching. However, mother and father has yet to provide the children with any clothes since they have been placed out of the home. I am hoping to get a gift card to allow both of the girls to pick out of new clothes for the summer. Grandmother is struggling financially as she is not only is she housing both children, but she is juggling school, mental health services, and everything else that the girls need to be successful. Both of the girls are so so sweet and I want to help out where we can. I hope that both children can get $200 to go on their own little shopping spree.

The Department is working with a mother whose 1-year-old is currently placed in foster care while she addresses the concerns that caused the case to open. She is in need of several items to ensure greater safety of her home, including a covered cat litter box, a baby monitor, and baby proofing items such as cabinet latches and outlet covers. She is getting started in all services and highly motivated to have her child returned to her care. Any assistance with this need so that this mother can address the state of her home and work towards reunification is greatly appreciated!

A provider has taken in three children that they were not expecting, the providers did not have enough beds for all of the children and are in need of a twin size bed, bedding for one of the children placed in their care as the child is currently sleeping in the living room. The provider is asking for a twin bed or a visa gift card of $300 to help buying a bed for the child. The providers and children are thankful for any help that is received.

Hi, I have a 7 month old baby boy who was recently placed with kin. Unfortunately, this Kin recently lost their job and needs additional assistance to support this baby. Prior to kin placement, the family was living in a shelter and the baby did not have many belongings.

Request: Formula- (2) 30oz cans of Similac Advance Powder Baby Formula (Blue Can)

A family has had DHS involvement for going on two years and had a sudden change a few weeks ago. The mother unfortunately ended her life and this has impacted her son (male - age 9). He is residing with his grandparents who are mourning the loss of their daughter while also working to support their grandson and help him process what he is going through at such a young age. The family is taking on additional therapy and could benefit from some financial support as they take on unexpected costs. The child enjoys playing soccer and driving at Raceway which he could benefit from some positive expression activities.

Two children, ages 9 and 2 have recently transitioned from being in foster care for several years to kinship care. The kin providers were able to get a lot of items through a community resource for safety proofing the house but are still in need of a few items including baby gates for their stairs. Additionally, the children came with mostly winter clothing and now that summer time is approaching, the family is needing clothing that would work for the kids.

4 baby gates with doors that will fit their specific stairs (link to specific gates will be added) 9-year-old clothing sizes 14/16 in girls and shoe size 5.5 youth shoes 2 -years-old clothing size 3T and size 5-6 toddler shoes

Go To Link

A kinship provider is seeking support in paying for the two kin-like children in her care to get swimming lessons. Male age 7 and Female age 15 have never taken formal swimming lessons and the kin provider believes it is an important skill for them to obtain. Swim lessons cost between $100-$200 depending on the place, individual/group format and consistency of attendance. The kinship provider has 4 children of her own and wants to ensure everyone has the same opportunities. If this need is met, any money given will go towards payment for swimming lessons this summer to ensure safety in the water.

A father and his 13 year old daughter are partaking in family therapy with a therapist who does not accept insurance. The therapy sessions are $200 for 60 minutes. The family is unable to afford the therapy long term. If this need is met the family can have another session with this therapist while looking into options that take their insurance.

The Department is working with parents whose 10-month-old is currently placed in foster care. They are in need of assistance with a car insurance payment. They are struggling with this expense due to the mother having been out of work, as a stay-at-home parent and full-time student, and the father being on leave from work due to an injury. They are participating in visits with their child and engaged in all services. Any assistance with this need so that these parents can continue to focus on reunification is greatly appreciated!

A young couple is seeking important baby items as they prepare for the birth of their second child this summer. They are newly settled in the state, and most of their family and support live outside of the country. Though they are excited for this next season with their growing family, they are struggling to collect larger baby items. This mom is not working currently as she stays home with their two-year-old son, and her husband is their primary source of income. She has been very intentional in establishing her regular doctor’s care through this pregnancy and is also actively exploring what supports are available for their growing family. We would love to help to set them up before the birth of their child, so that they can confidently focus on the immediate needs of their two young children. They specifically need a car seat and stroller combination as well as a bassinet. These items would afford them the peace of mind of knowing they can leave the hospital after birth and set their little one up with a comfortable space at home. Thank you so much for coming alongside this family and generously sharing God’s care with them through this tangible provision! Car seat and stroller combination: Go To Link Pack and Play: Go To Link

Grandparents have Power of Attorney for their three grandchildren. Grandparents need clothing and shoes for the children. Grandparents have had to decrease their work hours to ensure childcare is covered. Grandparents and Mother have agreed to a Power of Attorney as an alternative to DHS opening a case and grandparents have supported the children fully for over 2 years. Mother does not provide any support.

The family also is in need of two toddler beds and bed frames as well as one booster seat.

Sizes for the children's clothes: Size 8 in boys, size 7/8 in girls, and size 4T in girls.

Children's shoes: Size 13 in boys shoes, size 13 in girls shoes, and size 8 girls shoes.