Cassie Hall’s Post

👏 Relationships are essential.👏 Tangible things - backpacks, shoes, Christmas presents - those are important, but relationships for kids and caregivers in the foster care community are essential. 💫 A well-supported foster home means they don't get overwhelmed as easily and that their home stays open longer. If caregivers keep their homes open to kids in need, kids on the Olympic Peninsula stay IN THEIR COMMUNITY. Relationships mean kids in care feel seen, important, and loved. They learn to trust and regulate themselves. Relationships - volunteers who give their time, heart, and connections to the foster care community - are how we change the way foster care is experienced. Can you give your time to make life better for the foster care community and change outcomes for generations to come? If you don't have capacity, can you donate? Get involved today - anyone can make life better for a child in care: olympicangels.org #foster #fostercare #relationships #trama #TBRI #traumainformed #volunteer #mentor #lovebox #daretodream #relationalpermanency #relationalpermanence #stability #consistency #donate #nonprofit #community #fostercarecommunity #fostercarenonprofit #olympicangels #nationalangels #olympicpeninsula #selfregulation #regulation #coregulation #trust

As youth experiencing foster care get closer to their 18th birthday, they get closer to aging out. If some type of permanency hasn’t been achieved, the future can be totally uncertain. Without a support system, or a defined opportunity to get a job or continue education, the future is not just uncertain – in many cases, it’s set up to fail and fall into the downstream cycles we’re passionately trying to disrupt. For many, instability has been a constant companion. Some have never known the stability and security that we might take for granted. For 47% of current foster youth, homelessness isn’t an idea. It’s an experience they’ve personally faced with their biological families before being removed. Cut to their 18th birthday, and they find themselves in a position that mirrors the circumstances of their childhood. Here’s the sobering truth: without intervention, the pattern of homelessness may persist, perpetuating the cycle for generations to come. Our programs were developed to break these cycles through mentorship, and radical community. We're empowering youth to claim their futures despite their past. You can take part in this work in a life-changing way. When hundreds of individuals like you come together to invest $10/month, $25/month, $50/month – powerful and sustainable change becomes possible. Generational change becomes possible. You can use your influence to change the statistics. Will you join us today? Visit: https://lnkd.in/gSvuKvmj *Statistical sources can be found at https://lnkd.in/gDWtFTaH #NationalAngels #FosterCare #HomelessnessAwareness #FosterCareAwareness #EducationForAll #Foster #NFCM #Education #changethestats #OlympicAngels #OlympicPeninsula #volunteer #lovebox #mentor #daretodream #community #fostercarecommunity #nonprofit #donate #fostercarenonprofit

Imagine being a kid, uprooted from your home. You pack your meager belongings – clothes, a cherished toy, maybe a photo – in a trash bag. That's all you have, all that signifies your existence. Now, imagine dragging that in a trash bag, a symbol of impermanence and disposability, to a new, unfamiliar place. That was my reality as a foster youth. Trash bags became my suitcases, filled with the weight of uncertainty and loss. Packing them was a constant reminder of my lack of control, a constant chipping away at my already fragile sense of self. The worst part? Sometimes, when I wasn't allowed back to a placement, those precious belongings vanished. This is why funding for proper suitcases and duffle bags for foster youth is crucial. It's not just about practicality; it's about dignity. A sturdy bag sends a message: "You matter. Your things matter." It allows foster youth to carry themselves with a bit more pride, a bit less shame. Imagine the difference: a young girl with a bright pink duffel bag, a teenager with a sleek backpack. These simple items offer a sense of ownership, a small piece of normalcy in a chaotic world. They say, "You have a future, and you get to carry it with you." Please consider donating to Day 1 Bags and allow them to provide these essential items for foster youth. Let's replace the trash bags with hope, one duffel bag at a time. #FosterCare #Dignity #Hope

We often post statistics about young adults who age out of foster care, but today we wanted to share a personal story from a young adult in our program. “I’m a fellow foster child who has dealt with the system my whole life but one of the hardest parts was definitely after I aged out, growing up with no one to teach me the things I would need to know when I’m set free in the world, I can’t change a tire, I had no idea how hard it would be to set up my bank account, or even figure out how I can get my social because it was lost somewhere between moving around while younger.” This story is definitely not unique, and it’s a window into the challenges former foster youth face. Having a community that helps them fill in these gaps, “catch up” on the things they missed, is a key part of their success as adults, and it’s why we’re working on growing our life skills/culinary program. Want to help us meet this need? Consider a sponsorship or donation to the Bates Mission Carnival and Car Show, our biggest fundraiser for 2024. Former foster youth need the community’s help, and your support helps Bates Mission provide it. 🤝 https://lnkd.in/gX-MHQT4 #BatesMission #SupportingFormerFosterYouth #Nonprofit #Leander #Austin #RoundRock #CedarPark #Texas #CentralTexas #FosterCare #FosterYouth

😃It’s almost here! Help us get kickstarted! ALL OF FEBRUARY we’re trying to raise AT LEAST 20k to get kick started. Feb 1st/Thursday morning at 9am (CST) you’ll see a campaign go up that will show our progress for our February Fundraising. You can give there! Big or small, every dollar counts! Here’s what we’re trying to get started with… >> Getting resources to our young adults who have aged out. Food, hygiene products, basic household needs, furniture, gas cards etc… >> Resources to foster families as needed. >> The Crown Project… access hair care/ braids/protective styles for the black community in foster care and young adults who have aged out (52% of our kids in foster care in our kick off county are African American, more needs to be done for people of color who have specific needs). Also providing things like bonnets for kids in foster care. >> Assistance with senior year things that are not covered by DCS... Like being able to get hair, nails and make up done for prom. >> Provide new shoes and clothes as needed. These are just a few things that we’re aiming to get kickstarted this year! Our ultimate goal is to have a building that’s serving as a place of help and community for kids, and young adults who are or have experienced the foster system, and the families and case workers who support them. Then we want to see this happen countrywide. We’ve got big dreams!!!! We can’t wait to see them happen!!! These look like big goals for just us. But we know that as a community, if we all jump in, we can make this happen EASILY! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 #nonprofit #nashvillenonprofit #charity #nashvillecharity #fostercare #nashvillefostercare

Stability for a child experiencing foster care can make all the difference in their academic outcomes. With only 50% graduating high school, we know we can do better. 👏 If kids have predictability and consistent, trusted grown-ups they know then can depend on, their brains and bodies can focus on education and other important milestones in their lives. Kids in care have powerful potential. When they are SEEN, respected, LOVED - they can THRIVE. 💫 Change the way foster care is experienced - get involved today: https://lnkd.in/gRjBBwSx *Statistical resources can be found at https://lnkd.in/gDWtFTaH #changethestats #nationalfostercaremonth #fostercare #foster #fostercareawareness #mentor #volunteer #community #fostercarecommunity #kinship #kinshipcare #lovebox #daretodream #mentorship #relationalpermenance #homelessness #incarceration #mentalhealth #nonprofit #fostercarenonprofit #donate

✨It's Random Acts of Kindness Day! Today, let's go beyond random acts - let's choose intentional kindness with lasting impact. At Koinonia, we believe the greatest act of kindness you can offer is opening your heart and home to a child in need.✨ Here are a few ways you can spread kindness today: 💙Donate: Support Koinonia's mission to provide loving homes for children in need. Every bit counts! www.kfh.org/contributing 💙Become a Foster Parent: Share your love and stability with a child in need. It's not just volunteering, it's changing a life! Learn more at our upcoming orientation session: www.kfh.org/events 💙Advocate: Raise awareness about foster care and the need for loving homes. Your voice matters! 💙Perform a random act of kindness: Pay for someone's coffee, compliment a stranger, offer help to someone in need. Every act, big or small, ripples outward. Remember, kindness is contagious! Let's inspire others to show compassion and make a difference in the lives of children in foster care. Together, we can create a brighter future for them. #RandomActsOfKindnessDay #RAKDay #FosterHope #FosterCare #MakeADifference #Koinonia

Have you ever seen the ripples created by a single stone skipping across water? Just like those ripples, one small act of kindness can create a lasting impact. 🌈🎒 Donating a new bag to a child or youth in foster care is more than just a gift; it’s a powerful gesture that can uplift and inspire our entire community. 👜✨ 💡 Here’s how a new bag can make a difference: 1️⃣ Restores Dignity: No child should have to carry their belongings in a trash bag. A new bag provides a sense of worth and belonging. 2️⃣ Builds Confidence: Personal possessions help foster children develop self-esteem and identity. 3️⃣ Encourages Education: A new backpack can boost excitement for school and support academic success. 4️⃣ Strengthens Community: Acts of kindness foster generosity and compassion, creating a nurturing environment for all. By donating, you're not just giving a bag; you're giving hope, dignity, and a brighter future to children in need. Let’s come together to support our youngest and most vulnerable. 🌍 Join us in making a ripple of change. Help us #EndTheTrashBag and show foster children they are valued and supported. Together, we can create a community where everyone thrives. 🤝💖 Read more about how you can make a difference on our website: https://bit.ly/3VEQYvA

Harcourts Foundation Grant for Special Books A recent Harcourts Foundation grant to ‘A Better Life for Foster Kids Incorporated’ has enabled the inclusion of two trauma-informed books in 400 Crisis Cases for children entering care. A Better Life For Foster Kids, Inc. is a Gippsland-based charity that supports children and carers in the out-of-home-care system. In total, 10 children in every 1000 in Victoria are on care and protection orders (14,947 children across Victoria, AIHW 2021). The majority of children enter out-of-home care with just the clothes they are wearing. The Crisis Cases are wheeled suitcases which provide children of all ages with approximately 55 items of clothing along with toiletries, hand-made dolls, and activity books especially written for children entering care. Click here to learn more > https://lnkd.in/gsTrRDJ6 #harcourts #realestate #betterinblue #peoplefirst #wemakeitpossible

I've had several people recently ask me how they can get involved with ACH Child & Family Services. I'm happy to share there are several ways! Our mission is to protect kids and preserve families, specifically in foster care. We also do a ton of work in adoption, families experiencing domestic abuse, young adults aging out of foster care, free family counseling for the public, and more. In short, we have 15 different programs that offer a continuum of care. Here's how you can get involved: 𝟏. 🙋𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲. Many of the children we serve are teenagers who have been deprived of quality time with adults who 𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒖𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 want to hang out (they can tell the difference from someone is who is getting paid to spend time with them versus genuinely wanting to be there). We're here to fix that. Activities are fun (think crafts, bowling, cooking, etc.) and are in a group setting. We do ask for a one-year commitment to ensure the kids have consistency with who is visiting. >> https://lnkd.in/gcxYmxHm 𝟐. 👫 𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩. Want to make a difference with your company, organization or a group of friends? Sign up for Supper Club, Campus Cleanup, or another group project. We always need helping hands. >> https://lnkd.in/gSQwTb5F 𝟑.🤝 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧'𝐬 𝐀𝐮𝐱𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐫𝐲. "Women's Aux" is a great way to fight child abuse and neglect, protect families and raise awareness. This mission-driven group of women focuses on advocacy and service opportunities. >> https://lnkd.in/gTUd59e5 𝟒. 💰𝐃𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞! Money makes the world go 'round, and we can't possibly serve the kids and families in our area without funding. No amount is too small or too infrequent. We have a program called Hands-on Heroes for people who would like to contribute monthly, or you can donate a one-time gift. ☝️One-time gift: https://lnkd.in/gmWZce2K 🫶Hands-on Heroes: https://lnkd.in/g9KV_cwB If you have any questions, reach out to me!