Stories

Young Relative Guardian Steps in for 3 Cousins

Young Relative Guardian Steps in for 3 Cousins
"When I was 18 yrs old my grandmother passed away unexpectedly. ODHS came in and took my three cousins, as there was no direction on where the children would go when she was gone. My whole world caved in. I felt alone and helpless not knowing where my cousins were. I started having dreams of…
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A Detailed Surprise

A Detailed Surprise
Every once in a while, we get the opportunity to bless families in unique (and practical!) ways. Last month, we were informed that a foster parent with four toddlers could greatly benefit from having help with cleaning the inside of their vehicle. As you can imagine, these four sweet Rugrats have really done a number…
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My NeighbOR responds in the midst of wildfires

My NeighbOR responds in the midst of wildfires
My NeighbOR responds in the midst of wildfires “Blue melted?” Three-year-old Johnny* is having a hard time understanding where his dinosaurs, Paw Patrol trucks, and favorite Blue’s Clues puppy are. He’s been asking many other tearful questions since the Oregon wildfires drove his foster family out of their home in the middle of the night…
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Foster Parent Spotlight: Anthony Dixon

Foster Parent Spotlight: Anthony Dixon
Anthony Dixon has been a foster parent for almost 29 years. His foster care journey is something to be admired; full of courage and perseverance. Growing up, Anthony moved around a lot. His father was in the military and when Anthony was seven years old, his parents divorced. These combined experiences caused him to move around…
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The Simple Things

The Simple Things
The Simple Things We got our first placement before school was out. As we settled in on our first night together, this chatty 7-year-old girl started telling us about her school we needed to take her to in the morning. As she was talking something seemed to dawn on her, she paused in her story,…
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Why I Foster

Why I Foster
It's Foster Care Awareness Month!   May is Foster Care Awareness Month! This is a time where we spread awareness about the foster care system, acknowledge the foster care crisis in our state and highlight and thank all of those involved in touching the lives of these children at such high-stress times. But we also…
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Douglas County Makeover

Douglas County Makeover
Douglas County Makeover In Reedsport, Oregon, the transformation of the DHS office is providing an intentional and home-like space for children in care and their biological families. The spruce-up included new flooring, a dining table, storage for new toys, and a new couch! Even the waiting room got a new look!We are so thankful for Lowes, Home…
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“For every heartbreaking story, there is one of hope”

“For every heartbreaking story, there is one of hope”
"Dear Every Child - I retired from Lane Co Child Welfare after 29 years. For every heartbreaking story, there is one of hope. The following event has given me hope for 17 years & counting. I have altered the names for you to ensure confidentiality in the hope you may share it with your audience.…
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I’m A Volunteer

I’m A Volunteer
"I'm not a doctor who can fix broken bones, I'm not a therapist who can mend broken ideologies, nor am I anywhere near to being a foster parent who can provide shelter. But I'm a volunteer that has been consistent, and through that I've become a friend to a child who needs to know they…
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Camp Stories of Welcoming Kids in Care

Camp Stories of Welcoming Kids in Care
"Over the first week of July, Grove Christian Camp offered scholarships for 18 kids in foster care from Cottage Grove to attend a full week of camp for free! Grove Camp has a service focus for each camp, and last week it was Every Child. So I went and spent the whole week out there.…
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