AOK strives to raise awareness about the experiences of kids within the foster care system in our region, to help recruit and retain foster and adoptive families, and to engage the community in supporting them. is a 501c3 regional nonprofit that aims to raise awareness about foster care in Western Massachusetts, and engage the community in supporting foster and adoptive families in our region. But they can't do it alone. There is a role YOU can play. As our website is being built, read on for more information! Then bookmark www.fosteringaok.org and keep an eye out in June! WHY IS THIS ORGANIZATION SO NEEDED?
· We believe our society has a collective responsibility for the children who find themselves in foster care. Although not everyone is able to be a foster or adoptive parent, everyone has a role to play. That includes YOU!
· There is not enough awareness about what’s going on in foster care, what kids and families are experiencing, and the many ways the system can be improved. Spreading this information will help us all understand the problems and find our place as part of the solution.
· Being a foster or adoptive parent is HARD!…. These families need acknowledgment and support so they can keep doing the challenging and daily work of parenting these amazing kiddos within the context of a bureaucratic state system. A supportive community helps recruit and retain foster and preadoptive families, which means children in foster care can be assured loving, capable families in which to heal, grow, and thrive. HOW ARE WE GOING TO ACHIEVE OUR GOALS? With YOUR help! WHAT'S IN THE WORKS? So many great things....
1. An amazing website! Up-to-date information about foster care in our local area and how to get involved, exhaustive resource directories and information for foster and adoptive families, a calendar of events, a photo gallery of local adoptive families, the AOK blog, a podcast series…. The website is currently under construction, but bookmark www.FosteringAOK.org and keep an eye out!
2. Special events for the fostering and adoption community to meet in person, support one another, and network. And special community events to get the word out about foster care and adoption.
3. An online platform that allows individuals and groups to help meet emergent concrete needs of foster families in their own communities.
4. The AOK podcast series – regular installments to talk about all things foster care and adoption, specifically in western MA.
5. The Pioneer Valley Foster and Adoptive Family Association on facebook – started in December of 2015, a vibrant place to connect with other local families, ask questions, and share resources.
6. Partnership with local businesses and organizations for special discounts and offers to foster and adoptive families in our community.
7. A useful and effective training and lecture series.
8. A newsletter with information about how to get involved in supporting foster and adoptive families through special events, volunteer opportunities, calls to action, and organizational membership.
9. All Our Kids' Stuff -- A “free store” where foster and pre-adoptive families can get all the gently used baby and kid gear they need!
10. Professional and Parent Advisory Boards – to inform our work, and help us in spreading our message.
11. A regional coalition of individuals and programs whose work touches foster care. Joining our efforts and collaborating to create a better foster care system in our region!
12. Welcome giftbags for new placements and community adoption announcements.
13. And so much more! A donation of any amount at this early stage is critical for an organization's success. Visit our fundraising page and help us get off the ground! https://www.generosity.com/community-fundraising/help-launch-all-our-kids-a-foster-care-resource--3/x/16580307
