Missouri foster care has some incredible organizations that help to support foster parents and raise funds for programs. I have friends who have adopted from Missouri foster care and like some of the programs that are offered. A quick search on the internet turned up a few interesting ideas.

The Midwest Foster Care and Adoption Association (MFCAA)is the one that I have heard the most about. Parents have told me how truly supportive they are and go out of their way to help families that are struggling to find the proper services. A quick scan of their website reveals two FUN events, Ribs 4 Kids and a potluck foster parent appreciation dinner. Foster parent appreciation, now there’s a concept.

Reviewing their calendar you will find that they offer a “clothes closet” for foster parents. This allows parents to donate clothing they are no longer using, and to pick up clothing that they need. The Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts meet at their offices. They run a food pantry, help adoptive parents find post-adoption services for their children and are sponsoring a conference and fundraiser in September.

Another site I found was for the Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition. They are a foster care recruiting “agency”, but offer services as well. One of the programs they have that I like is called “Little Wishes”. They recruit business owners or families to donate money, services or time to foster children. Some examples from their website include summer camp, music lessons, art classes and tutoring. The child has a wish, and the Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition helps to grant it.

Like MFCAA, they run a re-sale shop for kids clothing. They also sell Mother’s Day cards for a donation to their organization, and recently sponsored a fundraiser where participants were able to buy gently used handbags and they raised $55,000. Those must have been some nice bags!

Then I found the Annie Malone Children & Family Services Center. Most impressive to me with this organization is the crisis nursery and respite program that they run 24 hours a day. What I wouldn’t give to have a convenient respite program, and it’s available for children up to age 11. Other services they offer a therapeutic elementary school, transitional living and residential placement.

They also run a catering services and sponsor a weekend of May Day activities, complete with music and a parade, as well as running a boutique. What wonderful services and events for foster and adoptive families.

If you’re coming to the ATN conference, you should check out some of these agencies as well.

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