Help One Child Mission To Children at Risk

Educating Families and the Community: We know that 40% of kids in foster care have three or more placements, and by equipping Adoptive, Foster, and Kinship parents to better care for their children we make a tremendous impact in combatting that statistic. Foster (Resource) Parents are less likely to initiate placement disruption when they are equipped with education surrounding behavioral challenges and a supportive community of people who understand the unique experience of a foster parent. Each month we host trainings for caregivers to be educated on things such as trauma, attachment, and other adoption-related issues. In addition to those monthly trainings found virtually, we host in-person seminars around the bay area allowing families to go further in-depth in their understanding of the issues affecting their children. And because we know these caregivers can't do it alone, we equip the supportive communities around them. We raise awareness of foster care and who it impacts. We work diligently to break down stereotypes and to push people's understanding of those engaging with the foster care system. And lastly, we build a foundation of knowledge around trauma and its effects on a developing brain. Once equipped these individuals are positioned to not just be well-meaning but can support the children and families in a more sustainable, and meaningful way. (exp class 200+ 400 + 500)

CarePortal is an online platform that brings the needs of hurting children and families in our community to the church's attention. Children placed with a relative (or known individual i.e., godparent) have statistically lower rates of changes in placement than children in other settings. Often, these family members aren't prepared to take additional children into their care and can greatly benefit by the support of physical items such as bunk beds, car seats, etc. This past fiscal year through the partnership of 45 churches we saw 786 children and youth served by use of the CarePortal platform. (exp class 600)

Cultivating Community: We are currently running 14 different parent support groups around the Bay Area and virtually. Our groups offer a supportive community of people who understand the unique experience of a foster parent. Many attendees credit these groups as being their life-line and greatest source of encouragement. Listen to Adoptive Mom K's experience "Help One Child and its community really helped. We found a place that helped us feel normal and started to formulate what our new normal was. Openness and trust are natural among those that have shared in the same struggle; this was huge in letting our guard down." In addition to our caregiver gatherings we also offer our network of families Respite Events. This provides youth a chance to connect with peers while providing a meaningful volunteer opportunity and caregivers with a few hours of respite. (class exp 300 - signs of hope camp expense separately reported below)

Signs of Hope Camp: A sleep-away summer camp for children 7-12 years of age touched by foster care or adoption. Camp is held in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Signs of Hope camp provides an opportunity for 65 foster and adopted children to spend the last days of summer learning about God's love and grace along with other campers who have similar life stories. By providing a fun and safe environment, campers are able to make and strengthen their connections with other campers, counselors, and God. In August 2022 the program hosted 45 campers and deployed 302 volunteer hours.

Donation Drives: We partner with churches and organizations throughout the year to raise awareness of those in foster care while providing tangible items to share joy or ease transitions. Our largest drive is Giving Tree where we oversaw 2,995 gifts collected and dispersed in December 2022. (Class 100)