All Our Kids - Fostering Community

02/27/2026

Sharing🙏

The AOK Community Closet in Holyoke closed its doors Thursday after an unexpected funding shortfall

02/24/2026

Our village matters, and today we’re sharing a difficult update.

The Community Closet at 6 Open Square Way will be closing, with Thursday the 26th as our final day in the space. Due to unexpected funding challenges, AOK’s regular operations will also be paused while our Board takes time to regroup and determine what the future may hold.

We don’t yet know what comes next. But we do know this: the foster care community in our region still needs connection, support, and one another.

During this pause:
• AOK Connect on Facebook will remain open.
• Our website and Hub resources will stay available.
• Families with urgent needs can contact Board Chair Kerri Bergendahl at [email protected].

If you’re able, stop by on Thursday to help us place remaining Closet items into the hands of children who need them.

Thank you for being part of this community. Thank you for showing up for kids.

Full update here:

Dear AOK Community, With deep sadness, we write to share the news that AOK’s operations and all programming will be on indefinite pause effective February 27, 2026. This includes the AOK Community Closet, which will close its location at 6 Open Square Way. During this pause, the AOK Board of Direc...

01/29/2026

Tax season is upon us! Did you know:
✅ Foster care payments you receive aren’t taxable.
✅ You may be able to claim a foster child as a dependent if they’ve lived with you long enough — which can help unlock tax benefits.
✅ There’s even guidance on what happens if someone else tries to claim the child first and how to handle it.

We’ve put together some guidance on our Resource Hub that walks through eligibility basics, common scenarios, and what to keep in mind as you prepare to file. Check it out!

Adapted from the AOK Guidebook It Takes a Village. Before we provide information about taxes, we need to acknowledge two things. First, tax law is constantly changing and the rules that govern taxes today might not be the same that will govern taxes next year. Second, we encourage you to consult wit...

01/22/2026

AOK’s ABC Coloring Book is 50% off for a limited time. We’re inviting a little more creativity and connection into our homes to start the year!

Created with local artist, professor, and early childhood expert Sally Pirie, the coloring book offers vibrant illustrations that help your kids see themselves, their families, and their experiences reflected in a fun and meaningful way. Bring connection and creativity into your home as the year begins!

https://fosteringaok.org/coloring-book/

01/01/2026

❤️💕❤️💕❤️

12/18/2025

We had a great time at our first-ever Sibling Shopping Day earlier in the month!

Thanks to our amazing community, 195 siblings were supported with holiday gifts and meaningful moments together.

Take a look at the photos and read the full recap on our blog:
https://fosteringaok.org/sibling-shopping-day-a-first-ever-event-that-brought-holiday-magic-to-195-children/

12/11/2025

We had such a great time this week at a joint holiday networking party with Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce, Chicopee Chamber of Commerce, and West of the River Chamber-WRC Agawam/West Springfield!

We were honored to speak...and grateful to be the toy-drive beneficiary! It was a privilege to share AOK’s mission with neighbors, businesses, and partners.

Thanks to all who showed up, donated, and helped spread some holiday cheer!

12/08/2025

Brrrr, it's getting cold out there! But thanks to Campus School of Smith College and 5th grade teacher Paul Matylas who ran a winter coat drive, the AOK Community Closet is fully stocked. We are so grateful for our generous community!

12/02/2025

Just a few more hours to support our campaign! Each and every day, we help the foster and adoptive families in our region who need it most. From clothing to one-on-one support, we do it with care and compassion. Are you all in for AOK? Your gift goes a long way. https://fosteringaok.org/donate/

12/01/2025

Tomorrow is !

This global movement celebrates generosity in action—and at All Our Kids, we see that generosity every single day.

Your support helps foster parents feel less alone, ensures kids have what they need to thrive, and strengthens families across Western Massachusetts.

Join us tomorrow to uplift and empower the families who need us most.

Make an early GivingTuesday gift: https://buff.ly/yfKPRoh

11/24/2025

Wow, we’re over the moon! Thanks to your generosity, we’ve already surpassed our fundraising goal for our first-ever Sibling Shopping Day!

On December 6, children in foster and adoptive families will visit AOK’s Community Closet to shop for gifts for their siblings—many of whom they don’t get to see often. Just $30 makes one child’s shopping trip possible.

How far can we go? How many more children can we support?Let’s make this day sparkle with joy for every child. 💛

Send a message to learn more

11/17/2025

Introducing Sibling Shopping Day! 🎁

We’re so excited to invite our AOK families to a brand-new holiday event created with Sibling Connections: Sibling Shopping Day, happening December 6 from 10 a.m.–12 p.m. at the AOK Community Closet!

Kids in foster and adoptive families will get the chance to choose new toys and gifts for their siblings—an opportunity many of them don’t always have, especially if they’re separated during the holidays. We’ll also have festive crafts, snacks, and lots of seasonal cheer!

Everyone can help. ❤️

A gift of just $30 sponsors one child’s shopping trip, ensuring they can pick out something special for the sibling they love.

Help us fill the day with warmth, connection, and holiday magic. Sponsor a child today and spread some joy this season!

https://www.facebook.com/share/1Bb6rEAmhU/