NORTHERN MICHIGAN – May is National Foster Care month. And you can help the people who are working to better the lives of thousands of Michigan kids in foster care.
According to Kathy Wilde, foster care supervisor at Wellspring, May has been set aside to hear current foster parents share their stories, as well as for others to learn the licensing process, and hear how to get started through “Fosterware Parties.”
Wild stated locally, the need for more licensed foster homes is significant. The Foster Care Regional Resource Team (RRT) reports the following data: Crawford, Oscoda and Otsego counties have seventeen licensed homes with eighty-four children in care; Ogemaw and Roscommon counties have forty-three children in care with only three licensed foster homes; and Alcona and Iosco Counties have twenty-one homes with sixty six children in care.
Throughout the month of May, efforts are made to raise awareness about foster care and the need for additional foster parents. There are several ways to support foster families as well as show appreciation for those dedicated foster families.
Currently, they are seeking volunteers to provide a meal to a foster family during the month of May. However, there is a need for those meals to be provided on a regular basis as well. Volunteers are needed to assist with childcare (respite) for support groups and training.
New items such as clothing, school supplies, and backpacks are also needed for the children, as many children are placed with no or very little clothing. Foster closets can get depleted quickly, and space is limited. Occasionally, local agencies may collect for particular needs, but due to limited space, those collections are not done on an ongoing basis. It is best to check with the agency first.
Upcoming ‘Fosterware Parties’ are:
May 15, 6:30 pm – The Bridge, Fairview
May 16, 6:00 pm – E. Tawas Community Center
May 22, 7:00 pm – Online
For the online link or additional information – Please call 989-588-1625 or contact kwilde@wellspringlutheran.com
