Foster Village Charlotte

🎒 Day 6 of '12 days of Giving'

Welcome Pack Supplies Drive. Each Welcome Pack is a first step in making a child in care feel seen, valued, and loved. Today, we gather essential items for these packs, creating a warm welcome for every child who comes into foster care. These items are the most needed and ship directly to our center. Be a part of bringing dignity from day 1.

⭐️ Your donation, no matter how small, contributes to a larger message of hope and welcome. Let's pack love and care together.



Link to Donate Welcome Pack Essentials 🔗 https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1C7523263SV2Y?ref_=wl_share

🥨 Day 5 of '12 days of Giving'

Snack Donation Drive! Today, we're asking for your support in gathering snacks to bring quick smiles and lasting joy to the children in our care. Your donation of snacks, big or small, helps us provide these little moments of happiness. Download our flyer with our link in the bio and purchase some items that can be used for snack packs. When you're ready to drop off your snack donations, email [email protected] or drop off during office hours 9:30-3:30pm at our Resource Center and be a part of this simple yet impactful gesture. Help us fill hearts and tummies with joy!

Link to Donate Snacks 🔗
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/10NG9JCKLCRV0?ref_=wl_share

🍲 Day 4 of '12 days of Giving':\

Make a Meal, Make a Difference. Today, we honor the heartwarming efforts of our incredible volunteers who cook meals for foster families. This simple act of kindness brings comfort and eases foster and kinship families' daily challenges. Join us in this meaningful initiative! Sign up to cook a meal, drop it off at our Resource Center, and give the gift of time and care. Further details will be communicated directly from our team.



Link to Donate 🔗 https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050D4BAAAF29A4FA7-freezer2 #/

🎁 Day 3 of '12 days of Giving'

Join us today by adding to our 'Holiday Beyond the Toys' Fund. Every holiday season, we provide over $5,000 of financial support for kinship and reunifying families facing hardships during the holiday season or needing a community boost. Referrals come from social workers and are vetted by our team to ensure your donations bring stabilization and hope.

In this way, we move beyond providing toys to focus on the impact that lasts after the holidays. It also allows families to use funds for the joyful part of the holidays instead. Let's make this holiday season a time of joy and belonging for all families in our care. Please contribute to our Holiday Beyond Toys Fund today!

Link to Donate 🔗 https://www.fostervillagecharlotte.org/donate

🌟 Day 2 of '12 days of Giving'

Today is all about the power of your generosity. Every financial donation, regardless of size, can light up a child's life in foster care and the families that open their homes to them. It's more than just giving; it's a transformative act that echoes throughout our community through ongoing emotional, educational, and tangible support so that every home is equipped to care for children experiencing foster care. Your support is the beacon of hope and change.

Link to Donate 🔗 https://www.fostervillagecharlotte.org/donate

🏡 Day 1 of '12 days of Giving'

Today, we focus on the most needed items at the 🏡 Connection Cottage, a haven for foster families to find comfort and connection you may have seen during Foster the Movement. This cozy space relies on your support to transform experiences typically in sterile environments into a loving, home-like space. Join us in this heartwarming journey and help us make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who walk through its doors. These are the items we need most from Amazon! Every contribution, big or small, creates ripples of warmth and care.
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/36S8BFYEK4NJS?ref_=wl_share

❄️ December is here, and with it, the spirit of giving and joy at Foster Village Charlotte.

Tomorrow marks the start of our 🎁 '12 days of Giving' at Foster Village Charlotte.

As we reflect on our impactful journey this year, it's a time for us to come together and support those in foster care in the way that is most meaningful to you!

📅 Each day, we will highlight a unique way you can support our mission and bring joy to the lives of children in foster care and the families that open their homes to them. Stay tuned for daily challenges that will bring us closer together
and make this holiday season one to remember!

Are you ready to embrace the joy of giving?

🌟 Throwback moment celebrating one of our own village heroes, Jes Ferreira! Last year, Jes not only embraced the journey of foster parenting two incredible siblings, but also chose to lift up our entire village by selecting Foster Village Charlotte as the beneficiary of the Comcast Community Champion of the Year award. Thanks to her generosity, we received a $60,000 gift that has been a game-changer for our community. 🙌

This amazing contribution has allowed us to expand our Welcome Packs program and kickstart our Village Bridge classes. Jes, your choice has brought so much joy, comfort, and connection to our foster families. We're beyond grateful for your big heart and your belief in our mission. 💚 Your impact will resonate through our village for years to come!

Jes, from all of us at FVC, thank you for being a shining example of what it means to truly foster change.

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🎖 Your support enables the Connection Cottage to be a place where dignity isn't just a word, but an experience. Together, we're making a dignified difference in the lives of those we serve. Join us as we continue building moments of dignity.

🔗 Link in bio - Donate today and help us reach our goal to create more connections in 2024!

🗺️ Our Donor Map showcases the states where amazing supporters like you have made a difference for Foster The Movement! Every filled-in state is a testament to generosity and a promise for change.

🧐 Know someone in a state not yet filled in? Help us spread the word and complete our map!

Share this post, tag your friends, and let's get all the states involved in this beautiful journey of giving 🌍💖

🔗 https://givebutter.com/fosterthemovement2023 - Donate today and help us reach our goal to create more connections in 2024!

📜 Everyone deserves dignity. During a time of great unknowns, the ability to have dignity in the process is the passionate work of Foster Village Charlotte.

Let's rally together, champion the cause of dignity, and uplift every life we touch.

🔗 https://givebutter.com/fosterthemovement2023 - Donate today and help us reach our goal to create more connections in 2024!

👑 At the core of our mission is the belief that dignity is paramount.

In the welcoming walls of our Connection Cottage, every child and family is met with respect and love. Stand with us as we uphold these essential values for all.

Our campaign goes through Giving Tuesday! Donate here: https://givebutter.com/fosterthemovement2023

We're Almost There - Foster The Movement 2023 🌟

As we approach the final stretch of our Foster The Movement 2023 campaign, we're filled with gratitude and awe at the strength of our village. Together, we've created a powerful community dedicated to supporting our families.

📈 Progress Update, We're currently at 56% of our $60,000 goal! Your generosity and support have brought us this far, and we're so close to reaching our target.

🏁 The Final Week, This is our moment to shine as a village. The upcoming week is our last opportunity to reach our goal and make a profound impact. Let's rally together, as a village, to support the foster care community in these crucial final days.

🙏 A Heartfelt Thank You, To each member of our village - thank you. Your participation, donations, and advocacy have been the heartbeat of this campaign. Your support has not only brought us closer to our financial goal but has also strengthened the bonds within our community.

🔗 Tap the link in our bio to contribute. Let's make these last days count and foster the movement for a brighter future!

🌟 Ever wondered how your contributions make a difference in the lives our families? Here's a glimpse into what funding looks like at Foster Village Charlotte:

🍽️ $50 - Nourishes a family with a meal, cooked in our kitchen or delivered to their doorstep.
🎒 $75 - Provides a visitation bag filled with new items for families to cherish.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 $100 - Supports customized supervision for family visits, tailored to each family's unique needs.
🎉 $250 - Creates a special celebration that's as unique as each kiddo we support.
🎨 $500 - Ensures a quarter's worth of activity supplies like games, art, toys, and books.
🏡 $750 - Maintains the warmth and safety of our cottage for an entire year.
🧠 $1,000 - Keeps our sensory studio running smoothly, year-round.
🚀 $5,000 - Contributes to our expansion fund for launching a new location in Charlotte.

Every dollar you donate goes towards these meaningful initiatives, directly impacting the lives of those in the foster care community.

🔗 Tap the link in our bio to make a difference. Your support helps us continue our mission and expand our reach. Let's foster the movement together!

We are currently 50% toward our goal!🌟 https://www.fostervillagecharlotte.org/foster-the-movement-2023

Feel the warmth of our Connection Cottage, a sanctuary where comforting embraces are daily. Your support is the cornerstone of this solace, offering a haven for those we serve.

Together, let's continue to be a guiding light of comfort and support.

🤗 'Comfort is knowing someone's got your back.' Let's be the pillar of strength and comfort for every child experiencing foster care.

Will you join us?

🔗Link in bio to donate and support

🤝 Connection is the golden thread in our tapestry of support.

Strengthening bonds and creating connections are essential. In foster care, it can be difficult to connect. FVC is on a mission to create invitations of connections that can help kids and families thrive.

Join us as we build for

🔗 Link in bio to donate and support

🌉 Connection and Comfort is the magic that binds us.

This week, we celebrate the bonds we've built and the bridges we aim to create with our Connection Cottage.

This dedicated home-like environment connects children and families experiencing foster care. It's used during evening foster parent support groups and daytime visitations for families working to reunify. It's a place a child can come again and again and feel comfortable and safe.

🔗 Link in bio - Donate today and help us reach our goal to create more connections in 2024!

🏡 This week, we're all about comfort and Connection.

Dive into stories that warm the heart, tales of homes filled with love, and the assurance of unwavering support.

There's still time to be a fundraiser or share this post and make a donation today!

🔗 Find out how by visiting our donation page - link in bio

Are you considering becoming a foster parent in the Charlotte area?

Join us at Foster Village Charlotte for an insightful session in our Village Bridge Workshop Series.

📅 Date: Wednesday, November 15
⏰ Time: 6:30 - 8pm EST
📍 Location: 4915 Monroe Road, Charlotte, NC 28205

This workshop is specially designed for those ready to take the next step in their foster care journey within the next year. You'll gain valuable insights from experienced members of our community, learn practical steps for moving forward, and refine your "why" in choosing this path.

While Foster Village Charlotte is not a licensing agency, we are committed to supporting and guiding future caregivers from the very beginning.

Don't miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and prepare for a fulfilling experience as a foster parent.

👉 Reserve your spot now and start your journey with the support and resources you need!

✨ 'Joy is not in things; it's in us.' Every child and every family deserves moments of pure, unbridled joy. Let's create more of these moments together. There's still time to be a fundraiser to help us reach our collective goal of $60,000 to fuel our connection cottage in hopes of more of these moments!

That's a lot of JOY!

🌈 Your unwavering support has spread joy to countless lives. Take a look at the ripple effect of our combined efforts. Together, we're a force for good!

💖 Joy is the essence of our mission at Foster Village.

This week, we're celebrating the transformative impact of our Connection Cottage program 🏡 , where countless moments of joy have blossomed. It's a space where laughter fills the air, and families create cherished memories, all made possible by your generous support.

Share with us, how has joy touched your life through community and connection?

🚀 TONIGHT at 6:3pm - The Official Kick-Off for Foster the Movement 2023!

The day we've all been waiting for is finally here! From the heartwarming stories at the Connection Cottage to our ambitious goals for the upcoming year, we have so much to unveil and show you.

⏰ Time: 6:30 - 8pm
🌟 Get an insider's look at what's in store for this year's fundraiser and all the great content we've created to help you fundraise!
🏡 Hear firsthand our impact at the Connection Cottage and our mission to build cherished moments!

"Moments build the village. Let's build them together." 🌱

This year's Foster the Movement is about creating lasting impact, and we want YOU to be a part of it. Let's kick off this movement with passion, purpose, and the power of our village behind us!

See you tonight!

🚀 Exciting news, Villagers!

Foster the Movement Kickoff Event for Fundraisers is this Thursday, and we'd love for you to be there!

📅 Date: Thursday, November 2nd

Join us for an evening of inspiration, stories, and a collective vision for the future. We will also review our fundraising guide and give helpful tips to make fundraising easy! If you've thought about fundraisers but aren't sure, this kick-off event will give you the confidence you need, so don't miss out! Lets us come together and ignite the movement for change.

🌟 Link in bio to signup!

🍂 A day of fun, family, and farm adventures! A huge shoutout to Wise Acres for hosting our families. With a heart deeply connected to the fostering community, they ensured our families could enjoy all the activities available without any costs. It's no wonder Wise Acres is a top fall destination for families! 🎃

🌽 We also want to highlight Cherry Place Farm , a family-owned gem in Rock Hill. Collaborating closely with us, Cherry Place ensured our families experienced all the farm had to offer. With a rich history dating back to the 1940s, they provide a range of farm activities throughout the year. From fresh produce in spring and summer to mountain-fresh Christmas trees after Thanksgiving, they've got it all. And let's not forget their irresistible popcorn! 🍿

Thank you to both these wonderful farms for their support and for creating memorable experiences for our families. Here's to more collaborations in the future! 🤝

📸 Swipe to see the fun at Wise Acres!

🌟 Special Collaboration Shoutout! 🌟

We're taking a moment to spotlight our cherished partnership with Charlie's Heart Foundation . Their heartfelt mission to empower families to stay united, even amidst life's toughest challenges, resonates deeply with us at Foster Village Charlotte. Their commitment to keeping families and siblings together is truly inspiring.

A heartfelt thank you to the founders and leaders of Charlie's Heart Foundation. Your unwavering support, especially your generous investment for the third consecutive year, has been a cornerstone for us. 🙌

And here's something you won't want to miss! Charlie's Heart Foundation has a fundraising event coming up on October 27th that directly benefits grantees like us. Mark your calendars and join in to support a cause that's making tangible differences in the lives of families.

Together, we're building a world where every family stays united, no matter the odds. 💛

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Village Voices: Robin & Beau's Journey 🌟

From being some of our earliest welcome pack recipients to becoming pillars of support for FVC, Robin and Beau Leonard's story with us is truly heartwarming. Over the years, they've hosted annual lemonade stands and fundraised for Foster the Movement, collectively raising over $10,000 in just three years!

🍋💛 With the backing of their adult children, they've championed our cause in the community. Robin has even put her professional organizing skills to our village, making sure we maximized our spaces. Most recently, they celebrated the adoption of their daughters, Lia and Hattie and we’re grateful to be a small part in their lives.
🎉.

The Leonard family exemplifies the essence of 'villaging well' and showcases the transformative power of community in supporting the foster care system.

(Robin) ♥️

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Join us as we shine a spotlight on the talented students of Sweet Spot Studio CLT at their Student Showcase on October 18th! 🍰✨ Not only will you be treated to a free bake sale, but you'll also be supporting Foster Village. Let’s come together and celebrate talent while also making a donation to Foster Village! A big thank you to owner, Jossie Lukacik for being an amazing local business partner, always looking for opportunities to give back.

📅 Date: Wednesday, October 18, 2023
⏰ Time: 6:30 PM
📍 Location: Sweet Spot Studio, 4418 Monroe Rd Suite AB, Charlotte, NC
🍷 Bonus: Head over to Common Market after and enjoy $1 off wine by the glass!

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Endless Gratitude for Citizen Church 🌟! Their team not only ensures our facility is sparkling clean every month but also steps in as caring childcare volunteers, creating a warm, safe space for our kiddos 🧹👶

Inspired by their generosity? Discover how you can join our village and make an impact - link in bio to learn more about Volunteer opportunities 🙌💙

🌟 Foster Care 101: Your Bridge to Understanding & Advocacy 🌟
Swipe left to unravel the layers of the Charlotte foster care system and discover how YOU can be a beacon of support and change. 📘👥 From understanding the process to navigating its challenges, your journey to making a difference starts with knowledge. 🌱

📅 Join us for the Village Bridge Workshop Series: Foster Care 101
📍 Foster Village Charlotte, 4919 Monroe Road, Charlotte, NC
🗓️ Wednesday, October 11, 2023
⏰ 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
🔗 [Link in Bio to Register]

Engage with experienced foster parents and professionals, get your questions answered, and build a supportive community as you explore the foster care landscape in Charlotte. 🤝 Whether you're considering fostering or seeking ways to advocate, your involvement creates ripples of positive impact in the lives of children and families in care. 💖

Let’s empower our community to build a network of support and advocacy 🌐🍃

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🏃 This past weekend, Brad ran 100 miles, each lap dedicated to a child in Foster Village Charlotte during the Allison Woods Halloween Hobble! 🍂 Brad reached his goal of $2,500 raised and matched by family and Ally Bank; his journey symbolized commitment and hope. 🧡 Each rock represented a child, a story, and a promise.

"It was a crazy adventure, which was what I was hoping for. I’ve heard that for a 100 miler, you need a mantra to keep playing in your head so you don’t quit in the dark parts of the race. I couldn’t think of a mantra. In the first lap, I was thinking about the Foster Village Charlotte kids, and it dawned on me there was no way I could give up if I was focused on helping just one more kid. So, every lap (25 laps), I picked up a rock/kid and carried that kid through the lap. The videos show the rock pile growing. My kids helped put the 25 rocks into FV (Foster Village). Maybe a bit corny… but this helped me stay focused.”

🏠 Join us in celebrating Brad and his dedication to Foster Village Charlotte! 🎉

Swipe to follow the touching journey of a caregiver who experienced the full circle of foster care, from parenting to reunification, all while being supported by Foster Village Charlotte 🔄

Last week we had a chance to facilitate a listening session between the leadership of Mecklenburg County Youth and Family Services and foster parents.

The topic was around CHILDCARE. Finding childcare has never been more difficult in our city. For foster and kinship parents it is even more challenging because you never know when a child is going to be placed in your home. Waitlists are long, trauma-informed childcare is difficult to find, and finding a location is proximity to your home or workplace all present our community with a need to think outside the box.

We are grateful to create a space where voices can be elevated and problems can bring about timely solutions. A big thank you to the leaderships of YFS for valuing the voices of those entrusted with children experiencing foster care.

THIS IS AMAZING NEWS! We are so encouraged to learn that yesterday, new federal regulations will allow states to ease up on the arduous process of licensing so kinship caregivers (grandmas, grandpas, aunts, uncles, cousins, and adult siblings) can have access to the same financial support foster parents receive with fewer hurdles.

Foster Village Charlotte has been supporting the additional needs of kinship caregivers since the beginning while at the same time advocating for a change in the system so that they have what they need right from the start.

Today, the U.S. federal government released a new rule that addresses a longstanding gap faced by kinship caregivers of youth in the foster system.

This rule is about fairness and equality for kinship families—challenging existing state practices that provide significantly less financial support for children in the system living with approved relative caregivers compared to stranger homes.

The rule allows states to use kin-specific commonsense foster care licensing standards. This change will make it possible for more children to be cared for by those they know and love and financially supported like children with non-kin foster parents to use.

This is a significant step in the overdue movement to better support the extraordinary grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other relatives who step up to care for kids every day. While we work to reduce the number of children placed unnecessarily in the foster system, we must fully and equally support kin families. Longstanding federal law upholds – and clinical research backs up – that children in the system are best served when placed with kinship caregivers.

🌟 Community Partnership Highlight 🌟

We're beyond grateful to shine a light on Jessica Ferguson ( ) from today!

Jessica has not only chosen us as her charity of choice for the past few years but has also volunteered her time and energy to impact the lives of those we serve directly, actively participating in our events and initiatives. 🏠 We're so grateful for her unwavering commitment to Foster Village Charlotte. 💙

A heartfelt THANK YOU to Jessica and the entire team at Giving Tree Realty for being pillars of support. Your contributions are invaluable to us and the families we serve. 🙏

Swipe right to learn more about Jessica ➡️