Ripple Effects Community Inclusion Center’s Post

The Power of Humanity in Action: Building a Future for Foster Children It's inspiring to see how individuals can make a transformative difference in the lives of others. Christian Bale is a shining example of this, dedicating 16 years and $22 million to create a village for foster children in Palmdale, California. This initiative isn't just about providing homes; it’s about offering a stable, loving environment for children who need it most. The village, which will include 12 houses, studio apartments, and community centers, goes beyond basic shelter. It’s a symbol of hope, resilience, and compassion. It highlights the importance of keeping families together and creating opportunities for these children to thrive. Fostering isn't just about offering temporary care—it’s about shaping lives, nurturing potential, and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to grow in a supportive environment. Acts like these remind us of the profound impact we can have when we choose to invest in the lives of others. Let’s continue to support and uplift these incredible acts of humanity. The Guardian #HumanityInAction #FosterCare #BuildingFutures #Compassion #CommunityFirst #PositiveImpact

FACT: 30% of your new families could potentially come through referrals from your current resource/foster families and your agency employees. What are you doing to remind, encourage, and facilitate a process for your families to refer their relatives and friends to your agency? Our founder, Mike Logan's 5 recommended actions for improving referrals: 1. Incentivize them. 2. Make it known that you want your clients to refer their families and friends. 3. Create a campaign to communicate your desire for referrals and update it regularly. 4. Create and distribute materials for your families to take to their relatives and friends describing foster care. 5. Host an event and encourage your families to bring family and friends to hear about foster care. #FosterCareRecruitment #FosterFamilyRecruitment #FosterCare

This National Foster Care Month, we're exploring strategic actions that can help our communities care for children and families before, during, and beyond foster care. Today, we're diving into what's working in family preservation---keeping families together before foster care is even necessary. But even as we discuss what it takes to prevent foster care, we want to ground ourselves in the reality that this work is both/and, not either/or. Check out the full post on the CAFO blog below: https://lnkd.in/eEBG9xz6

Seeing stats like this can be disheartening, until you realize that it is absolutely possible to change this reality when everyone does their part. These are our kids, America's kids, and we can all take a step TODAY to flip the script for their future. Because it's our future, too. Help more kids find families through corporate sponsorships: https://lnkd.in/en7KrGj2 #superbowl #fostercareawareness

I keep taking about upstream community solutions, meanwhile, Ken & Darlene Tipton are out there making it happen. They founded Foster Folks after realizing that they had excess time and energy to spend on grandkids - but theirs lived too far away. "We searched for a way to become foster Grandparents, but there was none. We created FosterFolks.com to connect with families that have no Grandparents." Honestly - to spend your time thinking about how you can give your excess away rather than gather more? This is the best of humanity right here. If you want to be a foster grandparent or aunt or uncle, check out their website: www.fosterfolks.com (PS Share the word- from their website: "We have put all of our funds into the development of FosterFolks.com and have little left to market the website. Please pass on our website and Facebook link to your email and social media contacts.") #mentalhealth #moreofthis #absolutelyyes

Did you know? The Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas holds 65,000 people. Multiply this by six and you get 390,000, which falls short of accommodating the 400,000 kids in foster care today. Nationwide, there are only half the amount of homes needed to house them. One of the reasons for the shortage is that 50% of new foster parents quit within the first year, with many stating lack of community support as a reason. That's where our Foster Friendly program comes in. We help increase foster parent retention by equipping businesses, churches and entire communities to support and encourage local foster families. As a business leader, you can make a huge difference in the lives of foster families and the children they serve through: A) Corporate sponsorships Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gpG2DDsC B) Offering discounts to foster families on our free Foster Friendly App Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gasfpedz Join the movement and let's make sure these local heroes receive the community support they deserve! #fosterfriendly #nfl #superbowl Statistics source: Lifesong for Orphans

The mission of Every Child Indiana is to be Hoosiers' guide to foster care and adoption so it can be easier to get involved. Every Child has gathered liscensed agencies like Choices, volunteer organizations, advocates, and the Department of Child Services to fill the biggest gaps in caring for children and families before, during, and beyond foster care. Read how EVERYONE can get involved, not just future foster parents: https://lnkd.in/gdgiCbGv

🌟May is Foster Care Awareness Month 🌟 This month, we honor and recognize the vital role that foster care plays in supporting children and youth who need safe, nurturing environments. It’s a time to appreciate the incredible dedication of foster parents, social workers, and countless supporters who make a real difference. 👉 Did You Know? Thousands of children enter the foster care system each year, each with their own unique story and needs. They deserve every opportunity to thrive, pursue their dreams, and build bright futures. As we observe Foster Care Awareness Month, let’s: 📖Learn: Educate ourselves and others about the challenges and needs within the foster care system. 🤝Support: Reach out to local foster care agencies to see how you can help, whether through volunteering, donations, or offering services. 🗣️Advocate: Use your voice to advocate for policies and practices that enhance the lives of foster children. Together, we can make a lasting impact. Let’s connect, share stories, and spread the word. Every little bit of support counts in helping these children feel loved, valued, and understood. ⏰ Stay tuned for new posts each MONDAY in MAY that feature videos with information on Foster Care & Foster Youth #FosterCare #FosterCareAwarenessMonth #SupportFosterKids #MakeADifference

Why? When asked, the most common answer given by foster parents who have chosen not to continue fostering is lack of support. And truly, we get it. The work of stepping into the gap to parent someone else's children (while fighting a system with its fair share of struggles) is not for the faint of heart, it takes a Village. Foster Village bridges this gap between those experiencing foster care and those who want to help, meeting practical needs and providing holistic support beyond the system. By caring for the caregivers and mobilizing an engaged community, we empower generations of vulnerable children and families to overcome adversity. The Archibald Project #supportnotjudgement #fostercareawareness

One of the most pressing needs in foster care is the lack of support for older children, particularly teens who are on the brink of aging out of the system. Sadly, many of these young adults face immense challenges, including homelessness, abuse, and more, as they transition into adulthood without stable support systems. Want to learn how you can help make a difference in the lives of these vulnerable youth? Join us at Caring Hearts to explore ways you can provide support, guidance, and a loving home to teenagers in foster care. Together, we can empower these young adults to overcome obstacles and build brighter futures. Find out more: https://bit.ly/3oXdvFO