Martha is presently in foster care. Martha was behind in her school work and in order for her to advance to the next grade level she needed to participate in a summer school program. The social worker enrolled Martha in a summer educational program that was paid for through the Kids Fund enrichment funds program. As a result, Martha has completed her summer school program and will be able to start in the next grade at school this semester.
Teresa is a teenager who is one of five children living with her biological family. Both of Teresa’s parents are employed but their income is often insufficient to meet the family’s needs. Teresa’s father suffers from a serious medical condition and was forced to take a leave of absence from work further stressing the family financially. Teresa, who suffers from a learning disability, often feels isolated and struggled to make friends. Teresa was passionate about music and showed an interest in piano lessons for a number years but her family was unable to afford the cost of lessons. Teresa’s social worker requested, and was granted, the funds to pay for one month of weekly piano lessons through the Kids Fund. The lessons became an outlet for Teresa to express herself and her self-esteem greatly improved during the month she received lessons. As a result of The Kids Funds’ efforts, Teresa’s parents and her teacher recognized the importance of continuing the lessons. Teresa’s piano teacher agreed to charge a reduced rate so that her parents could afford to send her once or twice a month for lessons.
Vinny, Betsy and Donna are school aged siblings who were discovered huddled in the corner of an empty room of their family’s apartment during an early morning raid by police. Emergency DCF response workers were called to pick-up the children who were then medically screened at the local hospital and brought to the DCF office to wait while placement arrangements were made. The children’s clothing was old and tattered and they were without shoes or undergarments. Several social workers in the office utilized Kids Fund donated food vouchers to obtain breakfast for the children. The Kids Fund provided gift certificates for the purchase of clothing, shoes and underwear in addition to plush animals for each child. The Kids Fund also provided a placement duffle bag, which contained toiletries.
The social workers were stunned when the children repeatedly asked if they were allowed to eat the entire breakfast meal without sharing. The social worker learned that the children rarely had a breakfast out and when they did the three children were expected to share just one meal. The social workers were reduced to tears seeing the children’s reaction to the clothing that was purchased for them. The children were thrilled and could not believe that the few items purchased were really theirs to keep.
The youngest child, Donna, was hardly recognizable when she arrived for a visit with her mother shortly after her removal. Donna was no longer reserved but chatty and engaging. Her hair was clean and neatly brushed; she was wearing a new sundress with white sandals and she brought along her new plush bunny “Bouncer”. All of these items, purchased by the social workers on the day of the children’s removal, would not have been provided but for the assistance of the Kids Fund.
Hannah is a teenager who has been living in foster care for over five years as a result of her biological family’s inability to care for her. Hannah is attractive with a quick smile and pleasant personality. She also has a lovely singing voice but struggled with her singing due to shyness. As a result of the Kids Fund, Hannah was enrolled in voice lessons. Hannah’s confidence and singing ability greatly improved and she has been asked to sing the national anthem at several events. Hannah’s social worker was reduced to tears hearing Hannah sing and realizing the obstacles Hannah had overcome. Due to the Kids Fund, Hannah was able to realize her potential and her dreams of singing before an audience.
Daniel, a pre-teenager, is the oldest of four children being raised by a single parent, who after paying for her rent, utilities, groceries, and other necessities, had very little funds to put toward any extra curricular activities for her children. Daniel’s social worker requested funds from the Kids Fund for a year’s YMCA membership, which was approved. Daniel was extremely excited about his new YMCA membership due to his love of sports – especially football. The Kids Fund gave Daniel opportunity to continue his involvement in activities that he enjoys.
