Over half of Georgia’s foster children are being cared for in foster homes that receive $12.40 to $18.25 per day to cover the cost of the needs of the child. The stipend is to buy food, clothes, toys, bedding, toiletries, and any infant equipment such as cribs, car seats, strollers and bottles that are critical in caring for a child, plus any extra-curricular activities that a healthy growing child may or should have the opportunity to do.
As a foster parent to many children for many years, East Cobb resident and mother of four grown children, Rachel Ewald realized that the state stipend given to foster parents was never enough to really cover the costs of taking in a child in need of a stable home.
"This small stipend did not cover the cost of raising a child, making it almost impossible for many good loving people with stable homes to take in and help the abused and neglected child without the risk of sabotaging their own financial stability," observes Rachel. So, 10 years ago, Rachel started collecting and accepting donations for household goods and clothes which would then be donated to foster families and their foster children.
What started in her garage in 1997 quickly emerged into a fully operational distribution center for invisible children that had never before received support or been the recipients of aid. For the first time in Georgia's history, Rachel's non-profit group, the Foster Care Support Foundation (FCSF) offers foster children a resource where they can come and receive help so that they may not be identified in a crowd by their shabby appearance as "foster children."Set up like a clothing store, the Foster Care Support Foundation offers free items to foster children. The Foster Care Support Foundation donation center and shop is located at 1240-B Alpharetta Street, in Roswell.
As Rachel explains, "All items are free to the foster child. Each foster child receives 6 outfits, underwear, socks shoes, pajamas, a coat in winter and bathing suit in summer plus toys, stuffed animals and books. Infants from foster homes can receive a crib, with mattress, single/double stroller, highchair, car seat and an array of items needed to raise a child safely, effectively and comfortably."
The foundation is currently busy planning two big events:
Promapalooza 2008 will take place on February 17th. Girls from all over the state foster care system in Junior and Senior high school year come to the Foundation facility and shop (for free) for prom dresses.Those wanting to donate clean and ready-to-wear accessories and dresses can drop them off at the center Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 1pm.
2008 "All Kids Count" Benefit Gala. The fourth annual benefit gala will be held on Friday, February 29. The event features a silent and live auction, dinner, dancing, entertainment, and very special guests.For tickets and/or sponsorship information, call 770-310-2919.
Rachel has even bigger dreams for her foundation, "We have purchased 3.3 acres of land on which to build a 25,000-square-foot permanent facility with on-site storage. And because most foster children come into care one to three years behind in school academically, our goal is to develop a computer education program for teens."
Foster Care Support Foundation is run by volunteers from churches, businesses, civic organizations, and schools.For more information on how you can help, visit fostercares.org.
