Foster Erie

Every year, more than 200 children in Erie County are removed from their biological families through no fault of their own and may enter foster care with few—or sometimes none—of their personal belongings. Foster Erie works to ease this transition and help children move toward a more positive future with their foster, kinship, or adoptive families.

Your donation helps Foster Erie ensure that children feel safe, supported, and valued through services that include:

• Placement Bags that provide children entering foster care with pajamas, clothing, a stuffed animal, books, and personal care items such as a toothbrush, shampoo, and other essentials. These bags are a tangible reminder to children that they are cared for during one of the most traumatic and uncertain times in their lives. To meet this need, Foster Erie maintains an inventory of clothing and essential items for children from infancy through age 18.

• Expandable Duffel Bags that give children a safe and dignified way to transport their belongings from their biological homes. The bags are compact enough for caseworkers to carry when an emergency placement occurs.

• Wish Lists that help meet individual needs and give children opportunities to experience childhood moments they may otherwise miss, including joining a sports team or arts program, attending prom, participating in school trips, or celebrating other important milestones.

• Mentoring, Education, and Support for foster, kinship, and adoptive families as they navigate the challenges of caring for children who have experienced trauma and disruption.

For seven years, Foster Erie has worked alongside Erie County's Office of Children and Youth (OCY), foster care agencies, foster families, kinship caregivers, volunteers, donors, and community partners to meet the needs of children during some of the most difficult and uncertain times in their lives.

Your Erie Gives donation will help Foster Erie continue this important work, respond to the growing needs of children and families in Erie County, and ensure that children entering care know they are not alone.