Stories

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…
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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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TLC at the Linn-Benton DHS Office

TLC at the Linn-Benton DHS Office
“Our goal was to have spaces created where families feel welcomed in, and can enter a room and enjoy the space and their time with each other--and hopefully shut off the distractions of the outside world and the fact that they’re at DHS… Achieved!” - Andrea H. In an interview with Benton County’s Every Child…
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Lessons from a Foster Parent

Lessons from a Foster Parent
Shortly after moving to Portland, James and Cassie began hearing about the number of children spending time in Oregon’s foster care system. That’s when the first seeds were planted that they would someday become foster parents. Fast forward two years, and this same couple has had the honor of having two young foster children in…
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