Better Living Foster Care & Family Services’ Post

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Happy Giving Tuesday Eve! We know it can be hard to choose who to support, so here are some reasons why we hope you’ll choose to support Paws and Claws this Giving Tuesday: -98% of our cats have positive outcomes, going on to find a home. -We focus on the cats overlooked by other organizations. -We bring people together, creating an inclusive and supportive space for all. -We are almost entirely volunteer run and our operations depend on the generosity of people like you. -Medical care is one of our biggest expenses and once we make a commitment to a cat we support them to the end. -Cats can stay with us for as long as they need, no time stamp or deadline. -Our adoption program focuses on matchmaking and looks at each person/feline as an individual. -We commit to our cats for life and will always take them back if an adoption doesn’t work out. Saving lives, building community. It’s what we do. With your help, the sky’s the limit. Will you join us tomorrow on Giving Tuesday? Make a gift today: https://lnkd.in/g-vwArcR

Grandparents and children have a special connection that is proven to both make grandparents live longer, and also make children more emotionally resilient. Grandparents lavish their children and grandchildren with an endless supply of love, gifts, and candy which they always seem to have on them. Today the favor is returned as grandparents are honored and receive gratitude for their strength, kindness, nurturing, and wisdom. 👴🏻🧓🏻💐🔨 Every family shares their own history and traditions so, naturally, ways to celebrate this day vary. Whether it is going through photo albums, asking grandma to bake your favorite treat, spending time with your grandparents at the park, fixing the car in the garage with grandpa, we’re sure you’ll find something to do together! Unfortunately, some grandparents have no one to share the day with. Volunteering at an old-age home is a great way to give back and so are community group projects that help the elderly feel included and like they are a part of a family. ❗❓: Did you know? 58% – the percentage of grandparents who say they care for their grandchildren because they enjoy doing it. #GrandparentsDay #Grandparents #FamilyTime #QualityTimeWithTheGrandparents #GrandpaTime #GrandmaTime #FunWithGrandparents #GrandparentsFun #NationalGrandparentsDay #ZempelInsurance #LakeMillsWI #LakeMillsInsurance #LakeMillsOffice

Some of us are blessed to wake up on Christmas morning with a room full of love, laughter, and family. The call of our children early in the morning, their voices full of energy and excitement. For me, it’s my very most favorite holiday for those very same reasons. I love traditions and more than anything I love my children and seeing their smiles on Christmas morning. Not everyone has this privilege. Think about children who have been recently removed from their homes, feeling uncertainty, feeling lost and a terrible feeling of grief, not knowing what has happened, not understanding why they are suddenly in a strangers home. Not understanding why “Mom” is not there, wondering where their brother or sister went, why are they not together? Confused about how nice the people are in this new home, but sad because it’s not their home, it’s not their bed, they don’t have their favorite comforting blanket and plush toy. The smell is different, the food looks different, it’s not what “Mom” cooks. Just imagine… This is the feeling of the hundreds of children placed in Foster Care and Residential homes everyday. Its not much compared to all that they have lost, but together we can help share a little joy during the most magical time of the year. Together we can make wishes come true and hope that in someway we have touch the life of a child when they need it most, together we can make a difference! Let’s spread joy together! When participating in Secret Santa you are helping a child in need, who like other children, have wishes and “maybe” a little hope. Interested? Email SecretSanta@HelixHumanServices.org with your interest. We will do our best to match your preferred age and gender. You can help by requesting one wish list and purchasing items on the list. Each wish list is written by each child/youth. I have to say - full disclosure- its fun to see how creative children can get, but sad to see wishes you can fulfill, like “I wish I could see my dad” or “I want to be with my sister”. Other ways to help is making a monetary donation (we do the shopping for you), hosting a toy drive or giving tree, or purchasing an item (or a few) from the Secret Santa Amazon Wish List. Have any questions? Lets chat! To learn more about Helix Human Services and the children and families we serve: www.HelixHumanServices.org To make a monetary donation or learn more about Secret Santa visit: https://lnkd.in/e5MEGNST To see the Amazon Wish List visit (remember as wish lists come in the list of items increases): Link coming soon. Thank you for helping make wishes come true!

FOSTER FRIDAY Did you know about the Foster Friendly App? 🔍 Discover discounts from local businesses and services for foster families. 💒 Connect with Foster Friendly faith communities and nonprofits. 🗓️ Stay organized with personalized calendars and reminders. 📝 Access articles, tips, and guides to empower you on your foster care journey. Download Foster Friendly now on the App Store and unlock a world of support and resources for your foster family! 💙 #FosterFriday #FosterFriendly

Happy 4th of July! 📢 Spotlight on Camp Freedom: Transforming Lives through Outdoor Adventures At Par West, we are honored to support organizations that make a significant impact on communities. Recently, we had the privilege of collaborating with Camp Freedom by supplying them with archery markers. While our donation is just a small part of their mission, we are deeply inspired by the incredible work they do. 🌟 Located in Pennsylvania, Camp Freedom offers outdoor adventures and therapeutic activities for disabled veterans, first responders, their families, and Gold Star families. By providing a safe and supportive environment, Camp Freedom helps these individuals rediscover their strengths, build new skills, and find healing through nature. The work done by Camp Freedom aligns with several important trends and discussions in today's world: Mental Health Awareness: The importance of mental health, especially for those who have served our country, cannot be overstated. Programs like those at Camp Freedom address PTSD and other challenges through unique, nature-based therapeutic methods. Community Engagement: Organizations like Camp Freedom exemplify the power of community support and the positive outcomes it can generate. This is a testament to the collective responsibility we have in fostering environments that support healing and growth. Outdoor Therapy: The rise of outdoor therapy programs highlights the benefits of nature in promoting mental and physical well-being. Camp Freedom's approach showcases how the great outdoors can be a powerful tool for recovery and personal development. For professionals in the wellness, healthcare, and community service sectors, Camp Freedom sets a benchmark for innovative and impactful therapeutic programs. Their model could inspire similar initiatives, encouraging a broader adoption of nature-based therapies across various fields. We encourage our professional network to learn more about Camp Freedom and consider ways to support their mission. Whether through donations, partnerships, or simply spreading the word, every action counts. Let's come together to amplify their impact and support those who have sacrificed so much for our safety and freedom. Visit Camp Freedom to discover more about their programs and how you can get involved. Let's engage in meaningful discussions on how we can collectively contribute to similar initiatives and make a difference. Together, we can champion the cause of healing and growth through the power of nature. 🌲💪 https://lnkd.in/gZPNZhyH #MentalHealthAwareness #CommunitySupport #OutdoorTherapy #Veterans #FirstResponders #HealingThroughNature #ParWest #CampFreedom #ProfessionalEngagement #MakeADifference

🌟 Holiday of Hope: Brightening the Season for 32 Families 🌟 At HomeAgain Richmond’s family shelter, hope is more than a word—it’s a promise of brighter days ahead. This holiday season, 32 clients, including children and parents rebuilding their lives, need a little extra support to stay positive, warm and comfortable for the holidays. We’re not about handouts; we’re about hand-ups. Together, we can show these families that our community believes in them and their journey. With your help, we can provide much-needed clothing that offers not just warmth, but also dignity and encouragement as they work toward stability. 💡 How You Can Help: *Below is the link to the wish lists, Holiday Hope Link: [https://lnkd.in/eFPpbgEa] *Sponsor a family with your friends or workplace. *Share this message to spread the word! Let’s make this a season of giving, of hope, and of community. ❤️

November Planning for Spouses’ Clubs: Balancing Community and Connection As we move into November, it’s an ideal time for spouses clubs to plan activities that bring members together while making a meaningful impact. Here are some ideas for both enjoyable events and nonprofit initiatives that reflect the spirit of the season. Community-Building Activities: • Friendsgiving Gathering: Host a potluck to strengthen bonds and celebrate the season together. • Creative Workshop: Organize a seasonal craft event, such as wreath-making or DIY holiday decor, to encourage creativity and connection. • Outdoor Fall Excursions: Plan a group nature walk or hiking event to enjoy the autumn scenery. Opportunities to Give Back: • Thanksgiving Basket Initiative: Organize a food drive and assemble holiday meal baskets for local families in need. • Volunteer Day: Arrange a group volunteer day at a community shelter or soup kitchen to support those less fortunate. • Care Packages for Service Members: Coordinate a care package drive to send essentials and treats to deployed service members or veterans during the holiday season. By blending camaraderie with community service, you can make November a memorable and impactful month for our members and the broader community. Let us know what’s on your agenda this month! #SpousesClub #NovemberInitiatives #CommunityImpact #SeasonOfGiving

Let’s make this season one of gratitude, hope, and recovery. This Thanksgiving, Let’s Reflect on Gratitude and Hope As we gather this holiday season, it’s a time to celebrate connection and gratitude—but for many young men who have aged out of foster care, this season can also be a reminder of their challenges. At 2nd Mountain Homes, we’re dedicated to providing a safe and supportive space for these resilient individuals to build brighter futures. For those navigating life without a traditional support system, the holidays can bring feelings of isolation. That’s why 2nd Mountain Homes exists—to create a sense of community, purpose, and hope. We offer stable housing, mentorship, and life skills training tailored to the unique needs of at-risk male youth. With personalized care and a compassionate team, we’re helping young men take their next steps toward independence and success. This Thanksgiving, we’re grateful for the opportunity to make a difference—and for the supporters like you who make our mission possible. Together, we can extend the spirit of the season by empowering those who need it most. If you’d like to learn more about our work or ways to get involved, we’d love to hear from you: 📧 info@thehemalliance.org Let’s make this season one of gratitude, growth, and giving back.

Story after story from former foster youth reveals one truth: a caring adult can change a life. Whether it's a foster parent, teacher, coach, or Guardian Ad Litem, these individuals provide the love and support children need. ❤️ These stories show how one constant person can instill a sense of belonging and worthiness. Every child deserves to feel valued and know they are enough. Let’s be the change! We need more advocates and mentors to step up. If you can spare some time, consider volunteering with us. Learn more at: https://lnkd.in/gA3pbSRS