[lostboys]

I am posting because as a foster parent I know there are many needs in a foster family that the counties and agencies simply do not have funds to help with. DH and I am in the process of starting a Not for Profit organization that will help foster families provide as much a normal life for foster children as possible. Let me give you an example of some needs we have had that have caused a hardship on our finances, or hardship on the children themselves. It would be very helpful if you would post some needs your families have had and are experiencing that an organization like ours could help with.

1.We foster teen boys, as most foster parents know, it is important help the children build self esteem. We have found that getting them involved in sports and other activities works wonders for them. Along with these activities comes a great deal of expence. When you have 6 teenage children in many different activities it can be a real stain on your pocket book. It would be a great help to us to have some financial help for these expences or discounts for equipment.

2. All of our boys go to counceling. We have found that the councelors that medicaid will cover aren’t always suitable for the type of issues the children are dealing with. We would like to be able to send the boys to therapist who can help with their specifics needs without having to empty our bank accounts to get them the help they need.

3.We have also had situations where the boys will come from another foster home without medication because the insurance was messed up, and the foster family did not have the $200 to pay for medication. We have paid this price for medication on a couple of occaisions.

I hope to hear many needs from all of your loving homes.

Thanks you