DONATION UPDATE FROM KIDS FIRST!

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"We wanted to share some of the benefits we have experienced from the wonderful donation we received from 100+ Women Whidbey. At that time, our board was fairly small, and we had basic programs to meet the needs of foster children. Receiving your donation really jump started Kids First to realize, we could do more for foster children. There was quite a surge of excitement for the board as we put our heads together to figure out what new programs we could develop to touch the lives of foster children. New programs that were developed are:

 

• Wheels for Kids: Kids First wants to support healthy activities for children. So, each foster child is eligible for a brand new bike.

• Celebrating You: Kids First wants to help celebrate foster children’s birthdays. So, each child is eligible for a birthday gift and book for their birthday.

• Activity Boxes: We’d like foster children to have games and toys that provide an alternative to screen time. Activity Boxes provide each foster child with activities that are specifically tailored to their interests.

• Comfort Packs: The time when a child first goes into foster care can be particularly difficult. So, we provide each child with a backpack full of fun and comforting items at the time when they first go into care.

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In addition, we have been able to strengthen some of our existing programs. For instance, we have always provided foster children with a Christmas stocking, but this last Christmas we were also able to provide Christmas presents upon request to all of our caregivers. At a time when many families were struggling financially, feedback indicated this expansion was quite timely. We already had Adventures in Reading, a program to provide books to foster children. So, Activity Boxes partnered with Adventures in Reading so that activity books are a part of all Activity Boxes. Last year was a record year for Kids First getting books out to foster children.

While we have used the donation provided by 100+ Women Whidbey, Kids First continues to benefit from that most generous donation. We continue to look for more and better ways to meet the needs of foster children. We just recently launched a new program called Bright Beginnings to target the needs of children from birth to 2 years of age. We noticed that currently there is a higher number of younger children going into care. The needs of these young children are unique, and caregivers are sometimes not as prepared to meet their needs. Bright Beginnings was developed to help meet that need. We also have a retreat for the board coming up later this month, and part of the days activities will involve dreaming to come up with new programs to help our foster children flourish.

 

100+ Women of Whidbey has had a significant and lasting impact on Kids First. We are grateful for your generous donation that was such a positive game changer for Kids First! On behalf of our board we extend a huge thank you to 100+ Women of Whidbey!"

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Kathy McLean & Gwendine Norton
Co-Presidents, Kids First - Island County