They are not having in-person visits with their biological families or attending, religious services, school, or outside support groups. Programs and services that play a vital role in their emotional and mental well-being are cancelled or only offered remotely.

Children in foster care often have experienced abuse, neglect, and trauma. As a result, some face mental and behavioral challenges. Due to the COVID-19 crisis, they are experiencing more uncertainty regarding when they may reunite with family, additional emotional stress due to limited outlets, heightened fear of the unknown, and insecurity about their futures. Bringing hope and a sense of connection is important to ensure the mental well-being of the kids during this time of isolation.

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Safety of the children is our priority, so all our connections to the children we serve adhere to social distancing requirements and recommendations.

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Our Response:

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Hope in Balance – Our therapeutic yoga program is providing virtual yoga and art to children in residential treatment facilities and in foster homes. Youth are receiving monthly art boxes with engaging themes to help them connect, heal, and grow.

Hope Grows Here - Our therapeutic garden program is providing virtual garden classes so the youth can engage in gardening throughout the summer at the participating residential treatment facilities. Youth are growing plants in their windows, designing garden t-shirts, playing nutrition jeopardy, and engaging in experiences that get them outside and in nature.

Dreams Program – We are engaging young people who will age out of foster care in virtual art and music programs, career exploration, and other remote interactive sessions with mentors to help them continue to have hope for a positive future.

Typical Childhood Experiences –

• Birthdays – Birthdays are just as important today for all kids. We continue to fulfill children’s wish lists by sending them specialized birthday gifts.
• Busy Boxes- Children in residential treatment centers are receiving themed busy boxes to give them healthy ways to cope and learn during this time of intense isolation.  In addition to being an avenue for new and fun activities, the busy boxes let the kids know they are loved and the community cares about them.
• Footpath to Hope - Due to COVID, Wonder Camp, our overnight camp experience adapted to give kids chances to get outside. We partnered with Footpath Foundation to provide kids with Outdoor Connection Kits for 6 weeks this summer. In addition, kids at a residential facility are getting an opportunity to go tent camping and enjoy s'mores.

Help us bring joy and smiles during this time.