Recreation, education combine to help foster kids succeed
There's so much more to being a kid than going to school.
Ball games, bicycling, theme park outings. All combine with educational opportunities to build a fully rounded person who's learning self-esteem and responsibility, in addition to advancing in school.
The Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation helps foster kids and their caregivers cover the cost of athletic registration and equipment, citizenship and immigration fees, educational camps, tutoring, class photos, graduation expenses and more.
“Children in foster care are invisible," said Kris Jacober, AFFCF's executive director.
"When they are removed from families where they are not safe, they have no voice and no choice about what happens next. Support of AFFCF means that children in foster care get to be kids like every other kid."
In 2021, the Scottsdale-based group helped more than 4,800 children with social, athletic and educational activities throughout the state. Many of them will spend their childhood in the system, aging out at 18. They and their caregivers often write letters and cards in gratitude for the opportunities.
The group’s mission is to give these children the chance to participate in fun educational activities that pave the way for a brighter future and a more successful transition into adulthood.
Last year the group received a $10,000 Season for Sharing grant, which helped 60 children.
How do you gauge success? At the end of our fiscal year, we total the number and type of awards made. We track the dollar amount of awards made along with the age, gender and county location of children receiving awards. We send out evaluations to caregivers, caseworkers and other partner organizations to indicate changes in areas including academics, self-esteem and overall behavior.
Measurable outcomes:
- 92% of children demonstrated improvement in academic performance
- 98% of children demonstrated increased self-esteem
- 96% of children demonstrated improvement in behavior
What are your greatest needs? More funding to continue our work and to raise awareness among caregivers and foster care children that we can cover these types of expenses for them.
Share a story? A 4-year-old boy in foster care was diagnosed with leukemia in 2019. He was forced to stay home due to his diagnosis and was prolonged during the pandemic. We were able to pay for home activities to do at home and in his backyard. While having to be hospitalized for continuous treatment he would talk about wanting to take a trip to Disneyland when he felt better. We were able to make this dream come true and fund his trip to Disneyland and he was given the opportunity to experience life outside of cancer and foster care.
Roxanne De La Rosa covers the nonprofit community. Reach her at rdelarosa@azcentral.com. Donations to Season for Sharing are accepted year-round. Make an online gift at sharing.azcentral.com or by texting "SHARING" to 91-999.
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