Caring for Kids in Foster Care
Overview:
Kids Matter Inc. is dedicated to supporting foster and kinship children as well as helping abused and neglected children heal and thrive.
Many kids in foster care don't have the ability to bond with their biological parents since they are in the care of others. To help strengthen bonds, Kids Matter Inc. provides book sets to kids and parents to allow them to read together and bond. Two identical books are placed in decorated bags. One book is provided to the parent who separated from the child due to imprisonment, rehabilitation, or anything similar and the other book in the decorated bag is provided to the child. The parent and child are then able to read together over Facetime or other video calling technology.
Please join us from 2:00 to 3:00 pm on Sunday, May 18th in the Firefly Room at the Wauwatosa Public Library to collect books for families to read together during their virtual/phone visits and decorate gift bags to hold the books.
What to expect:
We'll start with a brief explanation of Kids Matter Inc. and how we're supporting their work, then we’ll get to work decorating bags for books to be provided to foster children. All bags and art supplies will be provided.
Capacity & age recommendations:
All ages are welcome. We expect to have capacity for approximately 12 families.
What to bring:
It helps kids connect to the project if children pick out books they would like to read for the kids. If you are able, please bring TWO copies of an age-appropriate book for small children (ages newborn through age 8). Families are welcome to bring as many sets as they would like or are welcome to pick from books provided by Sunbeam Kids.
All other card-making and bag decorating supplies will be provided.
What to wear:
Kids can wear their Sunbeam Kids shirts if they have them and bring their lanyards to collect a project ribbon.
Project leader: Kristen Donlevy
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.
This project is currently open to members* but we will be happy to open it up to guests of space allows. Please only sign up if you know you can attend. We understand illness and emergencies do come up so if you register and can no longer attend, please let us know ASAP so we can fill your spot.
A big thanks to our Board member Kristen for leading this project, and thank you for lending a little hand!
Amanda Barnhart
Board President
*While we rely on member donations to keep the good work going, we never want the $40/family/year to be a hurdle to volunteering with us. If you are in need of assistance, we do have a limited number of scholarships available that are 100% confidential, just email and ask!
