Our Programs
Lakeshore Foster Families & Friends steps in to help children in foster and kinship care and the families that care for them. Our goal is to make sure every placement provider has the resources they need. We hope to improve the experience of kids in foster care in every way we can. We are here to assist and show our respect to you and your families because you deserve it.
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If you, or someone you know, is a foster or kinship parent and would be interested in our programs, please reach out to us for more details at info@lakeshorefosterfamilies.org.
Care Closet
The Care Closet contains items for the children and families we serve. We made the decision in 2021 to only accept new items with the goal to help build self-esteem for children in care. Items in our Care Closet include clothes, pajamas, activities, pantry items, backpacks/school supplies, blankets, baby essentials, diapers, hygiene products, and so much more.
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We have a wonderful partnership with Kids Gear in Manitowoc in which they will accept gently used kids' items on our behalf for a credit to our organization. When families reach out for needed items, we can send them to Kids Gear to use some of our credit.
Care Kits
In most cases, children are placed with little to nothing. Care Kits are created for out-of-home placements with the purpose to help with the transition to a new home. We average around 80 Care Kits per year. These kits not only support the child and provide their essential items, but we also help the entire family by providing pantry items, as well as a Goodwill or Kid’s Gear voucher to help with additional clothing.
Monthly Hygiene Support
Through a partnership with Jake's Network of Hope , we offer our families diapers, wipes, training pants, and feminine hygiene products at no cost, once per month. In 2022, we gave out 654 packages of diapers, pull-ups, or feminine hygiene products.
Birthdays
The Birthday Program provides children with a decorated birthday cake, and thanks to our generous sponsor, Epic Tree Care, a gift of up to $25 for their birthday present.
Appreciation & Events
We actively show appreciation to our families, the children, social workers, and all involved in the welfare of children placed in foster or kinship care. We know the task of fostering is often daunting and isolating, and we want families to know we are a reliable asset. We plan seasonal events throughout the year to show our support and gratitude for their very important work.
EMPOWERU
The EMPOWERU Program is for youth in the foster care system. The goal of this program is to assist young adults (grades 9-12) with life skills following high school graduation and aging out of care.
Support
The Virtual Support & Communication page on Facebook is a quick way to inform our families about resources, community events, and items pertaining to LFFF. Fostering Connections is a support group giving foster or kinship parents an opportunity to share with one another while enjoying some refreshments.
Normalcy Program
We understand the importance of providing opportunities for children in foster care to engage in activities that promote their social, emotional, and cognitive development, as well as their sense of normalcy and belonging. That's why we are pleased to offer up to $100 reimbursement for eligible normalcy activities that you organize for the children in your care. We are able to offer this in 2024 due to the generous grant we received from the Green Bay Packer Foundation. For more details, click here.