FosterAdopt Connect’s mission is to provide advocacy and innovative programming which supports and empowers foster children, their families, and alumni impacted by the child welfare system.
In 1998, a group of dedicated foster parents recognized a need for stronger support, training, and companionship as they pursued the difficult and rewarding work of parenting children in the foster care. Many felt isolated and ill-equipped to provide the most loving care for kids who had experienced abuse and neglect. As more and more families were drawn to the support and advocacy offered by the group, it quickly matured into FosterAdopt Connect (formerly Midwest Foster Care and Adoption Association), which was incorporated in 2000 as a 501c3 nonprofit social service organization. Rapid growth, fueled by the needs of children and families impacted by trauma, has expanded the geographic reach and depth of the innovative programs and services offered. Yet, at its core, FosterAdopt Connect maintains an “in the trenches with you” approach to serving kids and families.
Every kid deserves a childhood free of abuse and neglect within a family that offers love, stability, safety. FosterAdopt Connect actively monitors the changing needs of children in foster and adoptive care within the community to identify gaps in available services. To fill these gaps, we search nationally and internationally for best practices to implement and, if none are available, we create innovative solutions to improve outcomes for the children and families we serve. FosterAdopt Connect provides services including, but not limited to:
- Behavioral health services and trauma-informed clinical services.
- Community support services – Family advocacy, respite care, clothing closets, support groups, training courses, and job skill education and practice through their Connect Cafe.
- Family permanency – Kinship and family-finding services, transitional living, comprehensive emergency family care services, foster licensing, and parent support and prevention services.
- Teen and young adult services such as social support, employment, basic needs, housing, physical/mental health, and education transitional services; legal advocacy; and a youth center providing laundry, food pantry and hot meals, clothing, hygiene items and showers, and case management
How can you get involved?
FosterAdopt Connect accepts in-kind and monetary donations and all donations support the organization’s four pillars: Comfort, permanency, support, and hope. Suggested in-kind donations include new or gently used clean clothing, underwear, socks, and shoes; hygiene products; diapers and formula; dry goods; new or like-new books; new toys; baby equipment; and school supplies.
FosterAdopt Connect also has many volunteer opportunities, including clerical efficiency; holiday gift and clothing drives; respite events; fundraising events; Sammy’s Window Clothing Closet; school supply drive; groundswork; and skilled volunteering.
Check out FosterAdopt Connect’s website for more detailed information, and the Missouri FCCLA website for service award opportunities.
Service Awards
Innovative Service Award
The Innovative Service Award was made to honor Missouri FCCLA chapters who have created and carried out service projects that are both original and highly impactful—whether large or small in scale. This project showcases a fresh approach or unique solution to a real community need.
Champion of Change (Regional Recognition)
The Champion of Change award recognizes the region with the highest combined donation (in-kind donations and/or highest monetary donation) to this year’s service partner, FosterAdopt Connect. Donations must fall within FosterAdopt Connect’s four pillars: Comfort, Permanency, Support, and Hope. Visit the Missouri FCCLA website > Engage > Service to learn more about FosterAdopt Connect as well as find the suggested donations list. Donations must be made directly to the organization and will not be accepted at state conferences or events.
Using the donation confirmation form, your region can be recognized for your efforts towards this amazing cause.
Mission in Motion (Chapter Recognition)
The Mission in Motion award recognizes the chapter with the highest combined donation (in-kind donations and/or highest monetary donation) to this year’s service partner, FosterAdopt Connect. Donations must fall within FosterAdopt Connect’s four pillars: Comfort, Permanency, Support, and Hope. Visit the Missouri FCCLA website > Engage > Service to learn more about FosterAdopt Connect as well as find the suggested donations list. Donations must be made directly to the organization and will not be accepted at state conferences or events.
Using the donation confirmation form, your region can be recognized for your efforts towards this amazing cause.
