Helping children and their foster families is imperative. Recently, the Foster Together team interviewed a few Foster Together volunteers. Our goal is to give you a little insight into what it is actually like to be a part of a team who is working with a foster family. Here is what they had to say about their Foster Together volunteer experience.
Q. What Made You Interested in this Volunteer Opportunity?
A. Some of were already interested in foster care. I thought this opportunity would be a great insight into what foster care was like, as well as bing a great way to make a difference until I do begin fostering. We all knew that we would be providing support to foster parents and families in our local community and that was really important. They are some of the strongest warriors who need support sometimes too. Plus, we just thought hanging out with the kids and facilitating activities would be really fun!
Q. So, Not All of You Started with an Interest in the Foster Care Community Before Volunteering?
A. No, most of us did. But a couple of us joined because we are friends and it is something fun to do together.
Q. For Those Who Already Wanted to Volunteer with Foster Families, Did You Find it Difficult to Find Other Opportunities to Help in a Personal Way?
A. Yes! It seemed like the only way to make a difference was in an indirect way like donations.
Q. What were Your Hopes or Expectations When Signing Up for Foster Together?
A. I hoped that as a team, we are able to create a great relationship with our foster family where they can rely and depend on us. I want them to be able to fall back on us when they really need that extra help, or even just a nice break from the stresses of day to day life. I wanted to make sure they knew there are people out there who appreciate what they are doing.
Q. Do You Feel Like Your Experience has Met Those Expectations?
A. Yes! They are an incredible family and the kids are so much fun to be around. The resource mom has been appreciative of every little thing.
Q. What Have You Found to be the Most Rewarding Aspect of Your Experience with Foster Together?
A. A special moment was when the kids didn’t want us to leave after we met them. We made sure to plan the next time we could visit before we left. We could see how a “young” adult connection can make the kids feel like they have a big brother or sister. It has also been great getting to brainstorm ideas with my group on how to support our family each month. Building that relationship amongst each other and our family.
Q. Do You Feel Like You Have Made an Impact on Your Resource Family?
A. Yes! Even though it has only been a short amount of time so far, I think them knowing a few strangers are on their side has been really great.
Q. What Would You Want to Tell a Person or Group Who is Considering Volunteering with Foster Together?
A. Do it, do it, do it! You could be making such a huge difference by supporting just one family. You could be the reason a resource parent continues fostering. You could become a positive adult figure in a child’s life who may not have many. Or, you could even find yourself signing up for foster parent classes after seeing the impact these resource parents are making on these kids lives.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, we would like to thank our Foster Together volunteers for taking the time to chat with us and to help our families. If you are interested in making an impact in the lives of foster children and their families, please connect with us HERE.