D.A. Blodgett - St. John's

06/11/2026

🏳️‍🌈 Happy Pride Month from all of us at DABSJ (and our therapy dog, Raya!).
Every day, we have the privilege of walking alongside children, youth, families, foster parents, and caregivers. We know that feeling accepted and supported can make all the difference.

Pride Month is a chance to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ members of our community and reflect on the importance of creating spaces where people can show up as themselves and know they belong.

At DABSJ, we believe everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and care. Love, belonging, and support matter, and every child and family deserves to feel accepted for who they are.

05/28/2026

“If I could help just one child, my life would be worth living.”

For the last 60 years, Dianne has fostered more than 130 children, adopted nine, and continues to provide respite care at 85 years old.

Her story is a powerful reminder that love, consistency, and showing up can change a child’s life forever.

Read her story here: https://dabsj.org/a-lifetime-of-showing-up/

05/27/2026

As the school year comes to a close and summer begins, it’s helpful to remember that transitions like these can have a real impact on children’s mental health.

For many children and teens, school offers more than academics. It provides structure, routine, social connection, and steady emotional support. While summer can bring excitement, rest, and more freedom, shifts in daily schedules can sometimes lead to feelings of anxiety, emotional ups and downs, isolation, or changes in behavior.

There are simple, meaningful ways families can help support children during this time of change:
• Keep sleep and wake times as consistent as possible
• Encourage opportunities for social connection
• Create predictable daily routines when you can
• Make space for open, honest conversations about feelings and changes

During Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re reminded that supporting mental health is not only about responding in difficult moments. It’s also about preparing for life’s transitions and helping children feel safe, connected, and supported along the way.

Read the full blog post here: https://dabsj.org/helping-children-through-big-transitions-end-of-school-year/

05/21/2026

A huge thank you to the group of volunteers from Amway who gave their afternoon to help beautify our campus! From trimming and tidying to improving outdoor spaces, we are so grateful for the time and care they put into making the space even more welcoming for the youth who live here.

05/19/2026

What matters most to kids in foster care? It might not be what you expect.
Hear it straight from their perspective, the top 10 things that truly make a difference in their lives:
https://dabsj.org/10-things-that-matter-most-to-children-in-foster-care/

Discover the 10 things foster kids really need from their families, coming straight from the heart. Learn more about becoming a foster parent today.

05/12/2026

May is National Foster Care Month💜
Every child deserves a safe, loving, and supportive home, and the need for foster families in our community is greater than ever. There are many meaningful ways to support foster care, even if you are not able to become a foster parent yourself.

One simple but powerful way to help is by spreading awareness. Stop by DABSJ to pick up:

• A yard sign
• A window sticker for your car
• Foster care information meeting cards to share with friends, family, coworkers, or your community

Every conversation, share, and show of support helps raise awareness about the need for foster families in our community.

Pick up location:
2172 Dean Lake Ave NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49505

Pick up hours:
Monday–Thursday: 9:00AM – 4:30PM
Friday: 9:00AM – 12:00PM
Please note: We are closed for lunch Monday–Thursday from 12:00 – 1:00PM.

Sign up to pick up materials here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084AA9A629A5FAC70-63742097-call #/