Other Ways to Help Families United Network
“As one person, I cannot change the world, but I can change the world of one person.” This well-known quote, often credited to Paul Shane Spear, summarizes the immeasurable impact just one person or one act of kindness can have, inspiring us to explore meaningful ways to support and uplift those in need.
Families United Network has been a dedicated and committed source of support for children and families navigating the foster care and adoption system since July 1, 1996, when it opened its doors. While foster and adoptive parents play an essential role in our mission, they aren’t the only ones who can make a meaningful contribution. There are many other ways you can get involved in making a lasting impact.
Consider donating after exploring the various ways you can lend a hand and help Families United Network enrich the lives of children and families in meaningful and practical ways. Whether you want to donate resources, share your talents, or support children’s extracurricular activities, your contribution can and will make a huge difference.
Other Ways to Help Families United Network
Families United Network provides various services to support and strengthen children and families, while preparing them for healthy, fulfilling futures. These services rely on a community of compassionate individuals who are committed to creating brighter lives for children. If you’re not able to become a resource parent or adoptive parent, don’t worry! There are still numerous ways to contribute meaningfully to the organization’s mission. You can play an instrumental role in a child’s life by offering your time, resources, or skills in other ways. Here are some practical and impactful ways to get involved:
Support Extracurricular and Educational Activities/Opportunities
Every child should have the chance to enjoy and grow from the confidence-building experiences offered by extracurricular activities or important milestones like prom and graduation. Sadly, these valuable opportunities often involve expenses that are not covered by the county or supported by the resource family. Below is a list of activities and opportunities where your support can make a difference.
Sponsor Registration Fees
Extracurricular activities, such as joining a dance class, participating in art programs, or enrolling in a sports league, often require fees. Helping cover a registration fee makes sure children can still enjoy these amazing experiences that many take for granted.
Donate Sports Uniforms or Equipment
Many children dream of joining a sports team, but the expenses for uniforms and equipment can pose a challenge. By providing new or gently used sports gear, you provide children the opportunity to participate in these life-enriching activities.
Contribute Towards High School Keepsakes
Remember your last year of high school? Help give kids the chance to treasure their final year of school by donating money to cover the costs of items like yearbooks, prom attire, or senior pictures. These mementos provide joy and preserve precious memories that every child deserves to look back on.
Donate Tangible Items
Donating tangible items directly and immediately impacts the lives of children in the care of Families United Network. Consider contributing some of the following items:
New or Gently Used Luggage or Backpacks
Due to the abruptness in which children, at times, are removed from their homes, many children entering foster care are given a trash bag to hold their belongings. By providing luggage or a backpack to a child, you are providing them with a sense of normalcy and dignity during a challenging time.
Personal Care Items
For many children, even basic necessities like toothbrushes, shampoo and deodorant can be a luxury. These essential items, which many take for granted, play a vital role in boosting a child’s confidence and providing a sense of comfort. By donating these basic items, you can make a meaningful difference in a child’s life, showing them that they are cared for and valued.
Diapers
Diapers are a constant and often expensive necessity for families fostering infants or young children.
Host a Drive
Organizing a drive for items such as toiletries, books, luggage, or clothing can be a fun and effective way to make a larger impact while engaging your community. Get your friends, family members, and co-workers to support these children.
Contribute to the Children’s Book Drive
Books can open minds, spark curiosity, provide comfort and allow a child to have an escape from their current reality. You can help expand Families United Network’s current library by donating age-appropriate books and ensuring more children can access essential resources that foster growth, education, and resilience.
Do you have a special skill, profession, talent or hobby that can be shared with our children and families? By offering your time or expertise, you can make a big difference in the life of a child.
Examples of Skills You Can Share:
- Photography: Offer discounted or pro bono services to capture school pictures, senior portraits, or family photos for foster and adoptive families.
- Cooking or Catering: Volunteer as a chef or caterer to prepare meals for events or provide cooking lessons for children and families.
- Education or Tutoring: Help children succeed academically by volunteering as a tutor or organizing educational workshops.
Any talent or skill you’re willing to share can have a meaningful, lasting impact.
Why It Matters
Families United Network and similar organizations depend greatly on community support to ensure that every child in their care experiences the love, dignity, and opportunities they deserve. By helping in even the smallest of ways, you’re contributing to a collective effort to improve lives. Your impact goes beyond physical donations. When you show care for these children, you’re instilling hope and sending a message that they matter.
Take the Next Step
Creating a brighter future for children starts with individuals like you. Your contributions, whether it’s a baseball bat or glove, a gently used backpack, or the gift of your expertise, can create powerful and lasting change. Are you ready to make a difference? Contact Families United Network today to find out more about how you can help. Whether you donate items, volunteer your skills, or host a drive, every effort counts. We can be the change, providing these children with the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive.