The Foster Alliance Leads in the Number of Foster Children Served

The Foster Alliance, the State leader in providing essential needs to children in the foster care system is wrapping up 2019 by once again setting records in service to this vulnerable population.

Thirty-six hundred boys and girls will have received a safe place to sleep – their very own big boy/girl bed or crib!  That equates to 10 children each and every day of the year who sleep comfortably and safely, thanks to our work!  Children like Kourtney, Farrah and Eva who were so excited to have their own beds for the first time in their lives.  Babies like 18-month old Cora, who was a victim of sexual abuse, or 3-week-old Santiago, who was just released from the hospital after being born addicted to heroin.  He was placed into the care of his 21-year-old biological brother.  Unprepared to be a dad on 24-hour notice, he came to The Foster Alliance for assistance with a crib, along with essential items like diapers, clothing and more.  He is transforming his life from a single carefree guy to the 24/7 parent of a baby who has been affected by the opioid epidemic.

14,000+ Arizona children are presently in out-of-home care.  Foster parents, almost half of whom are relatives – mostly grandparents – turn to The Foster Alliance for assistance with the most basic of needs.  Our programs, which promote safety, permanency and health, give these families tools to help them succeed.  From home safety items to diapers, underwear and socks, along with those beds, we are here to help to raise up these precious children on their life journey.

We also provide joy to boys and girls in foster care – in a big way.  The month of November was another record setting year for our Birthday Dreams program.  We prepared and distributed 372 birthday packages – more than 12 per day – to celebrate children in foster care.  Beautiful gift bags with messages of hope and love were carefully selected, wrapped and given to children whose lives have been disrupted.  The package for 4-year-old Isiah includes paw patrol figures, while 17-year-old Aaliyah receives a duffel bag with personal care items and a gift card.

Thousands of children benefit from the work we do every day.  Seeing our year to date numbers makes me take pause, realizing how many children’s lives are impacted by the important work we do, and wondering how their lives would be changed if The Foster Alliance was not here for them.

Thank you to all who donate their time, talent and treasure to our mission of assisting these beautiful children.  WE can’t do what we do without your help.  You truly do make a difference by supporting our work.

The Foster Alliance is a Qualifying Foster Care Organization, and as such, donations by Arizona state taxpayers qualify for a dollar-for-dollar tax credit.  With no governmental support, our primary funding comes from those like you and I who choose to put our tax dollars to use for this important cause.  Please help us continue to make a difference for thousands of children.  Learn more at www.azhelpinghands.org.

Dan Shufelt is the President & CEO of The Foster Alliance, the largest provider of basic needs to Arizona’s children in foster care. Learn more about the Organization at www.azhelpinghands.org and contact Dan at dshufelt@azhelpinghands.org.

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