Foster SQUAD

02/25/2026

Welcome to 2026 — Foster SQUAD is back and growing! After a meaningful Operation Santa season, we’ve moved into our very own office and are already planning what’s next. Read our latest update and join us on this new chapter: https://wix.to/pVJOzF1

02/25/2026

YOU MATTER 💙

Foster, kinship, and adoptive families — this day is for YOU.

Join Foster SQUAD in Des Moines for a Family Appreciation Event filled with connection, fun, and celebration.

📅 May 2 | 10am – 2pm
📸 FREE family photos
🌭 Lunch provided
🐐 Petting zoo + family activities

Registration is required — click the link to register today!
https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/822111996037/true #/invitation

02/24/2026

Foster SQUAD Swag 💙

Looking for a way to support local foster families and represent the mission? Check out our swag store! Every purchase helps us continue serving children and families across Iowa.

With tons of different options, there’s something for everyone.

Shop here 👉 https://onecrazymama.com/collections/foster-squad

02/23/2026

On behalf of Foster SQUAD, Traci Schermerhorn and John McClellan had the opportunity to meet with Congressman Zach Nunn to discuss the real barriers teens in foster care face when trying to gain one of the most basic milestones of independence — getting a driver’s permit and license.

We are grateful for the opportunity to share what we are seeing on the ground in Iowa and to continue working toward practical solutions that remove unnecessary barriers for youth in care. When we listen to their stories, it becomes clear: independence shouldn’t be this hard.

02/20/2026

Mark your calendars!
Foster SQUAD Open House & Ribbon Cutting

March 3rd | 3–7PM
Ribbon Cutting at 4:30PM
6950 NE 14th St Unit 33, Ankeny, IA 50023

We can’t wait to see you there 💙

02/20/2026

Thank you 100 Women Who Care Ankeny for inviting Traci Schermerhorn to stop by your meeting and provide an update on Operation Santa! Your support helped us make Christmas magical for so many kids this year! We truly appreciate your support of our community!!

We kicked off the start of our 10th year before our 3 presentations by hearing an update from Traci Schermerhorn of Foster SQUAD, our 4th quarter 2025/last year donation recipient. Traci shared that our donation assisted with costs of their Operation Santa program, providing a Christmas program and wishlist gifts for 700 children (!) in Polk County foster care -- the program served 3300 children statewide!!! ❤️❤️❤️ How wonderful is it to make big impacts together for kids? 🥰 We celebrated with the Big Check and photo op!

02/17/2026

Over the weekend, family and friends of a foster child chose to celebrate an adoption in a truly meaningful way — by giving back.

In honor of this adoption, donations were made to support foster children and families across Iowa.

We are so grateful for the generosity, the heart behind this gift, and the reminder that adoption is not just a celebration of one child — it’s an opportunity to strengthen an entire community.

Thank you for making an impact that will continue far beyond this moment. 💛

02/16/2026

Behind every supported family is a team working hard on a Monday.
We’re just getting started. 💛

02/16/2026

Happening tomorrow!

Our first monthly eQuip Hub donation drop-off day is tomorrow, Tuesday, February 17.

🕒 3:00–7:00 PM
📍 6950 NE 14th Street, Suite 33 | Ankeny

If you have bed frames, cribs, dressers, baby gear, car seats, bikes, or wagons to donate, we’ll see you at our back door. Volunteers will be ready to help unload and receive items.

Still want to volunteer? There’s time to sign up here: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/fostersquad/event/fostersquadvolunteer/

Thank you for helping us eQuip families with dignity and care 💙

02/14/2026

Happy Valentine’s Day! 💙

Today we celebrate love, kindness, and all the hearts that make our Foster SQUAD family so special.

02/13/2026

Flourish Magazine is here to help foster youth and young Iowans navigate life and build independence.

Each issue focuses on a specific topic, and this one explores education options after high school — your path to success starts here! 📚

Check out this issue and explore all Flourish Magazine editions here:
https://hhs.iowa.gov/family-community/flourish-magazine

02/12/2026

Every child deserves to be seen, known, and loved.

The Reel Hope Project creates powerful video profiles of Iowa kids who are waiting to be adopted—helping tell their stories and connect them with forever families.

Take a moment to watch, share, and help spread hope. 💛
https://www.thereelhopeproject.org/iowa-kids