Stories

August 12, 2024

Fostering Love Letter

Image of a student girl raising a sign with the phrase "Back to school" in the middle of a classroom

August Edition

Dear Foster Families,

As the summer days wind down, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of resources to help you and the youth in your care navigate the back-to-school season and beyond. This month’s Fostering Love Letter is organized into categories to make it easy for you to find the support you need.

Back to School Resources

1. Westside Church – Supplies

Date: August 24, 2024

Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Westside Church is providing school supplies, backpacks, and free haircuts to help your kids start the school year off right.
Sign up here.

2. Family Access Network (FAN) Advocates – Supplies & Clothing

Don’t forget to check with your school’s FAN advocate for school items and additional support. FAN advocates are available in every school in Central Oregon to assist with basic needs, including school supplies. Check this link to find your school’s advocate a reach out.
Learn More: Family Access Network

3. Project Lemonade – Clothing

Project Lemonade offers a Portland clothing store shopping experience for foster youth ages 5-24 .  They offer a virtual shopping option for youth who live outside of the Portland Metro area.
Learn more and apply here.

4. St. Vincent de Paul of Redmond -Clothing & limited supplies

St. Vincent of Redmond Thrift Shop has a giving closet as part of their social service off.  Free clothes, limited school supplies and household items available. Giving Closet open Wednesdays and Thursday 10:00 am -1:30 pm.  

Address: 651 SW Veterans Way, Redmond, OR 97756

5. Every Child Central Oregon/My NeighbOR – Clothing & Supplies

If your youth in care have back-to-school needs that aren’t covered by other resources, Every Child Central Oregon is here to help. You can submit a need directly to us, and we will work to fill as many gaps as we can.
Submit a Need: My NeighbOR.

Support and training

1. Peer Mentorship Program

Every Child Oregon’s Peer Mentorship program pairs experienced resource parents with those who have been fostering for two years or less.
Apply to be a mentor or mentee for the Fall Cohort: Every Child Peer Mentorship

2. FREE Respite Night (CODSN)

Central Oregon Disability Support Network (CODSN) .
Learn More: Central Oregon Disability Support Network.

3. Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) Training

Verbal De-escalation Training for Resource and Adoptive Families

Date: Friday, August 16, 2024

Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Virtual via Zoom)
Register on Workday Learning for 6 hours of ongoing training credit.

Free activities

1. Little Bug Redmond – Free Playtime Event

Date: August 24, 2024

Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Address: Little Bug Play Hub, 2498 S Hwy 97, Redmond, OR 97756
Stacie Navarro at ODHS has organized a free monthly playtime and socializing event at the Little Bug Play Hub in Redmond.
Register here using promo code ODHSAUGUST.

Food assistance

1. High Desert Food & Farm Alliance

Address: 354 NE Greenwood Ave, Bend, OR 97701
Promotes access to healthy, local food through various programs, including cooking classes and food assistance.
Learn More: High Desert Food & Farm Alliance.

2. Free Summer Lunch Programs

The free summer lunch programs is still happening throughout Central Oregon for kids. The quickest way to find one near you is this link. 

3. Neighbor Impact $120 Grocery Benefit

School-age children may qualify for $120 per child in grocery benefits during the summer months.
Check eligibility and apply here.

4. Food Pantries and Meal Programs

If you need food assistance, there are several free food pantries and meal programs available in Central Oregon. For a full list, click here. Also, SNAP or WIC recipients can apply for farmers market vouchers here.

ENERGY & UTILITY ASSISTANCE

1. Neighbor Impact Energy Assistance

Address: 20310 Empire Ave, Suite A100, Bend, OR 97703
NeighborImpact offers several energy assistance programs, including:

Summer Cooling Program

Pacific Power COVID Relief Program

Cascade Natural Gas Program

City of Bend Water Discount Program

Who Can Apply? Residents of Crook, Deschutes, Jefferson counties, or the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Reservation.
Learn More: Neighbor Impact Energy Assistance

We hope these resources will support you and your family as you prepare for the new school year. If you have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Shiann

Foster Retention Coordinator