FOSTER FAMILY SERVICES

There is no way to make the transition into the foster care system easy. They are devastated with strong feelings of loss and grief. Many times they are not able to grab any of their personal or favorite belongings which only adds to their sense of loss.

That is why the Bags of Hope was created. The child/youth is given a backpack with age appropriate items to take with them into their new foster home. Some of the initial fear and uncertainty is replaced with a sense of comfort and confidence that they have not been completely abandoned. These backpacks are a practical way to reach out to children new to the foster care system.

All backpack items need to be brand new. Items include:

• Infants - diaper bags, diapers, all sizes, wipes, diaper rash cream, baby shampoo, hair brushes, pacifiers, bottles, all sizes, formula, onesies, sleepers, small photo albums.

• Toddlers - toothbrush/toothpaste, shampoo, hair brush, sippy cups, diapers/pull ups, socks, pajamas, books, blankets, small toys, small photo album, nightlight

• Elementary- toothbrush/toothpaste, children’s shampoo, hair brush, hair ties, socks, pajamas, pillows and pillow cases, blankets, small toys, book, photo album, nightlight

• Teens - toothbrush/toothpaste, shampoo/conditioner, hair products, hair dryers, hair brushes/combs, pajamas, blankets, journals, gel pens, book, gift cards, small photo album, nightlight.

Diaper bags and backpacks in all sizes and colors.

At Expressions of Hope, we offer a wide range of resources for your convenience and are committed to helping you get what you need.

We know how important it is to help normalize the life of a child in care. We want to help you do this by providing important essentials like gently used clothing and shoes, giftcards, diapers, formula, baby items like strollers, cribs, high chairs. We also have a large shipping container that has beds, bedding, dressers, household items that families may need to support the child in their care. This practical help allows the family to focus on the child while the child receives what they need to be comfortable in their new home.

We have a Foster Kids Fund to help pay for sports camps, special medical/dental procedures, bikes, graduation, and more.

This funding allows a child/youth to experience the same activities as their peers. It helps normalize their lives so they don't feel different than their friends or classmates. We help fund them to be on a sports team, take an art or music class, help with graduation expenses, or any experience that helps inspire or encourage them.