If you live in the state of Oregon here are some ways you can become involved!

 

There is always an ongoing need for help from helpful and loving members from those who live in the state of Oregon. There are many ways to help out the many wonderful children that are in the foster system. These children need so many things that many of us take for granted that goes far beyond the basics of food, shelter, and clothing. With your help, you can help a child as a mentor, or maybe help them create family connections with relatives, help families currently in the foster program, and creating a life book to answer the questions about each child that they will eventually ask about themselves about their genealogical tree and cultures.

 

Family Support Groups

The families that have entered into the foster child program often need support as they deal with the issues that can accompany a child in the foster program. It is not uncommon for children placed in foster care to have needs and concerns that can create elevated needs that new foster parents are not equipped to handle in the beginning. Support groups allow foster parents to draw on the strength and resources of others who have already been in their shoes and know the rewards that await them. There is always room for a new member for the support groups to help those in need of a little motivation.

Mentoring

We have youth both male and female that need a mentor like you, can you be a positive role model in a child’s life? Do you have just 2 hours a week to make a difference for a child? Can you listen and be a friend? Many of the children we serve do not have an adult they feel safe with. You do not have to have a degree, or any special talents, you can change one life with just a little effort. Contact our office for more information about being a mentor for a child in foster care. We have many young boys who need MALE MENTORS, why not you?

Family Finding

The Family Finding model offers methods and strategies to locate and engage relatives of children living in out-of-home care. The goal of family finding is to provide each child with the life long connections that only a family can offer. You can sign up to the right for Family Finding announcements. You should receive text messages around twice a month. We will text our volunteers about upcoming volunteer trainings and upcoming volunteer brainstorming sessions

Life books

An Adoption LifeBook records a foster/adoptee’s life that uses words, photos, graphics, the child’s artwork, and memorabilia.  An Adoption LifeBook includes information about the child’s birth parents and reason for separation.  It always starts at the child’s birth and often includes the fun part of when the adopted child joined a family.