06/22/2026
We like more too! Did you know we started classes with just 10 kids at just one group home? Then it went up to all 22 of their kids joining in classes. And one week led to another and another and before I knew it, my cute little idea to do a bit of job training with teens aging out at Landmarks had blossomed into an entire work study program with more than 300 students taking classes in the last year and a half.
With more and more facilities wanting classes, I dove into more training: CPI, trauma informed care, TFA, DJJ, and a million other terms i never knew existed. I learned more about levels of care, the different agencies involved, and what happens after these kids age out... and to be honest, I didnt like what i learned. I still don't like the options these youth have. Not just as a volunteer, but as a former foster teen myself.
The gaps that existed in the 90s and early 2000s are still present today with far fewer group homes and indepent living programs than ever before. The push to close group homes as a whole is a noble idea, but in reality, there will always be children who still need that level of support. And with less funding from the government for homes and programs, we're left with odds stacked thoroughly against our kids.
So I am building my own damn bridge for the gaps I've witnessed and creating better options myself.
Which brings me to the subject at hand: we need more. We need more volunteers. We need more hands on help at classes or helping us prep flowers ahead of time. We need more fundraisers. We need more supplies. We need more ribbon and tape and foam and wire and unbreakable vases. We dont need more buckets! That's one thing we have plenty of.
We also need more money. We have huge plans for Bloomhaven and the kids we work with and the fastest way to make them happen is with a crapton of money. So do us a favor and share this post with some rich people. Tag a celebrity in the comments or something. If you've read this far, you might as well.
