Testimonials from our volunteers, foster children and foster parents about FCSF
If you don't think you are making a difference, please read below:
A 21 yr old girl came into the center recently to donate her clothing she no longer wore. She asked if she could donate her things and we asked her if she wanted a receipt for taxes. She said no and hesitated, then said, " I used to come here. I was in foster care. I used to come get clothes with my foster parents." I was surprised to hear her say that and asked her what she thought of it. She smiled and said, "I was a size 0 to 1 and it was really hard for me to find clothes that would fit me, but when I came here, I would look for it and find some. It made a difference to me that I had things like other kids my age at school. Now, I am going to college. I am on the Dean's list and I will be graduating this year. After I graduate, I want to come volunteer here to help other foster kids like me." I was choking up but held back and asked her, "How was foster care for you?", thinking she may not want to talk about it to me. She said she had been in foster care since she was 6 years old and had lived in many homes, all of which were not very caring, some better than others, but the last one that she entered into about 18 months before graduating was a good one. She said she still is welcome there during college breaks and she feels likes she now has a family.
Of course, we hope that our program helps more families open their hearts and homes to kids in crisis but when we get to meet some of the ones that you have helped to change their lives, I feel truly blessed. Good luck to her and all of the children that need us so desperately.
Dear Rachel,
I was wondering when the next sign up would be for Promapalooza. Last year, I brought our girls up there from South Georgia so they could pick out a prom dress to attend their own high school proms. I was surprised and pleased to find such wonderful dresses to select from and so many of them too. THe girls all felt like cinderella when they went to their proms. The camera's were a fun extra that they used up before they even got to prom; they were having so much fun preparring that they forgot to save some pictures for the dance. It is so great to know that people care and your volunteers were so helpful when letting the girls choose the jewelry and accessories to make the outfit perfect. THank you for caring and putting so much thought and love in such a meaningful part of a child's high school years. Sincerely,
Mrs. T. Shakira, Antoinette, Kira and Catherine.
Dear Wonderful & Precious Mrs. Rachel,
Thank you once again for your generous support on behalf of another of our precious children, Darla. We appreciate your enthusiasm for the work we have before us to accomplish. All of the items that you supplied us with has made a huge difference in providing what Darla needs.
Thank you so very much.
Very Gratefully Yours
Dear Ms. Ewald
Thank you very much for giving the UPS Corporate Compensation Department the opportunity to volunteer at the Foster Care Support distribution center today. Our employees were empressed by the organization, cleanliness, and attractiveness of your facility, and sincere helping hearts of the reglar volunteers we met.
Fostering children in need is a wonderful endeavor, but not everyone is able to do so. However, volunteering at the Foster Care Support Foundation gave us an opportunity to help your center meet the needs of some of these "invisible" children by selecting and packaging their summer wardrobes for shipping to counties outside the metropolitan Atlanta area. Knowing that we had a hand in helping these kids "fit in" better in their new environments and not be identified as foster children by shabby clothing was a heart-warming experience. We were happy to learn that the clothing, infant care items and toys we gathered will go far in helping foster parents stretch the small stipend they receive for the daily care of their foster child.
You are to be commended for your work in helping improve the self-esteem of these youngsters by showing them that there are many people they may never meet who care about them and want to see them develop into well-adjusted, responsible adults. We appreciate your allowing us to take part in your important mission and look forward to an opportunity to work with you again.
You and your team do an exceptional and awesome job and I'm certain you will have future UPS volunteers from our group to visit / to volunteer again with your organization. ___________________________________
Thank you again for the most wonderful experience we've ever had.
UPS Corporate Compensation / Health Care
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Rachel, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for all that your organization does for Foster families. You have been a godsend to us. When we agreed to take in my two nephews (at the time) ages 6 and 13 we did not realize the financial strain that it would put on us. Without Foster Care Support, I don’t think we would have been able to do it. They just grow so fast and the clothes that you thought would last a few months are too small and then it’s just a whirlwind cycle. My husband and I were new parents when the boys came to live with us. We had just had our first child 7 months prior. We had no idea what we were in for. You have really helped lift a lot of that burden from our shoulders. Thanks again for EVRYTHING that you do.
Amber
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Rachel
I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your support of the Foster Children in Georgia. My husband and I, along with our almost grown children (ages 17&21) have recently become foster parents to a 10 year old boy and his 8 year old sister. We are considered by some as a "rookie" family, since this is the first long term placement we have had.
Over the past few months of fostering, we have learned that children who are placed in foster care are often faceless names, and handed down the leftovers of society. Upon becoming a foster parent I made the decision that I would not dress my foster children in anything that I would not have dressed my own children in. I have had to discard old, stained, out of style clothing that has been passed on to me by well meaning friends or items that would not sell at their garage sale. I applied to your organization though our local DFCS office thinking that I would probably have to go through the items received and pick and choose the clothes that would not make foster son and daughter look like leftovers! We just received a "goodie" bag of clothes and treasures from your organization. Much to my surprise...everything in the new backpacks arrived in excellent condition. This means so much to the children and to those of us who have the joy and pleasure of loving them and caring for them. Thanks for sharing nice things with our children. The items sent to them are things they can be proud of. The clothes fit and are in style, the Crocks were a huge hit and the personal touch of books and small toys became "the cherry on top". Thanks again for your support! Our foster children are deserving of the best that life can offer and they can overcome the obstacles that life has thrown them. They can set high goals and reach them. As we are making effort to teach them this principle, your support has put action to our words! Your support is an incredible investment in the lives of every child that you are able to help! May God bless your organization!
Thanks again!
Doug and Lisa
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Rachel, I just wanted to say thank you for everything you did for me and my kids this past Saturday. Laura has been trying to learn to ride her new bike ever since we got home. She loves it, she said to tell you all that she loves it and thanks you all for it....just wanted to say thanks and keep up the great work....you are all angels sent from up above. Debbie
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Rachel, I am glad to respond to the request for my impression of Foster Care Foundation, Inc.
It was refeshing to see the love that the staff has in meeting the need of the Foster Parents in need.
The items are of very good quality and current styles. The items were very well marked as to sizes and made it easy for the parents to pick out things that will help them as they care for the children in their foster care.
This is so important to the children as they are now in a new envirionment and are trying to adjust to a new way of life.
I had the priviledge to help a child pick out a new pair of shoes. She couldn't beleive the choices that were in that box. She thought and thought about what would be best for her. After trying many pairs she made her choice and put the big box back on the shelf and had such a huge smile.
Overall, I was very impressed with the effiency and professionalism of the operation. They are definetly serving a need and doing it well.
Julie
"Rachel, I am one of the foster parents who received some items from you. I really appreciate all that you sent. I have a newborn baby and being single has put a little damper on things but the items you sent will help us tremendously. Thanks again for your generosity. ~Tammy"
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"Rachel, A quick THANK YOU for your generosity today and for all the wonderful things you gave to the four foster children in my care. I very much appreciated your patience, cheerfulness while working into your Saturday afternoon, and generosity! THANK YOU!!! ~Ruth Anne"
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"Rachel, I received the box with the clothes for the children late yesterday. Thank you so much! There were so many nice things in there for the children. They acted like it was Christmas, you know how girls love clothes. If it wasn't for you and what you and your organization are doing, I would not be able to take care of as many children as I do. Even the 3 year old got into all her new clothes. Thank you for the bottom of OUR HEARTS! ~Traci"
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"Rachel: The items are WONDERFUL. If it had not been for this organization, I would not have been able to be a foster parent. A couple of my friends came over to help me put the 'new' cribs together. When I return them I don't have to break them down, do I? haha! And the toys and video tapes were great also. And the clothes. They look so cute! ~Sandy"
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"Good morning Sheila:First, I listen to you guys every morning. The other morning I heard you say something about foster parents and I really don't remember what it was about, but I wanted to add - if anyone wants to be a foster parent there is a non-profit organization that can help with the essentials for the children, i.e. toys, clothes, furniture, etc. The Foster Care Support Foundation in Roswell, GA. is a non-profit organization that helps fost parents defer the cost of becoming a foster parent home. Foster parents are needed so badly. People just don't realize that these children are OUR FUTURE! I become a foster parent April 4 of this year of twins (a boy and a girl) 15 mos old and had nothing for babies, no cribs, sheets, toys, clothes, diapers, wipes, etc. If it had not been for the Foster Care Support Foundation I could not have done it. The children are soooo precious. They are back with their mom now, Praise God! and now I have other foster children. My prayer is that the governor of Georgia would help support this much needed organization to help them defer the cost of the rent of the building, utilities and such or maybe even GIVE them or allow them to use a government building. This organization is for the STATE OF GEORGIA and these women have done a wonderful job of putting this organization together. "
"EVERYONE LOVED WHAT THEY GOT. IT WAS JUST LIKE CHRISTMAS. KRISTEN AND SHANNON WERE JUST LIKE KIDS OPENING NEW TOYS. THANKS SO MUCH! ~TRACI"
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"Rachel, Thanks for all the great things the girls received at the foster care support center. They loved their new items! They pranced around all afternoon trying on their new digs and playing with all their toys. The books were a wonderful treat at bedtime. They had never been read to before they came here. They felt so special that this place exist special only to them. It made them feel soooooooo good. Thanks for the good work you are doing. Sincerely, Susan W"
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"Dear Miss Rachel, Thank you for all my clothes and toys. I really liked the pokemon cards. My friends had lots of them but I never had one before. I like my new clothes. They are very nice and my shirt is like my new best friends shirt. He likes my batman shirt. That is my favorite clothes. I love you. Thank you! Your friend,Quantavious"
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"Rachel, She was really excited by all of her new toys and clothes today, especially the light-up boots and the talking toys. (Personally, I could do without the talking toys..) Please tell all of your volunteers thank you! Y'all do a wonderful job!! ~ Teresa"