Welcome Foster Parents!

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Caring for Yourself While Caring for Kids: A Gentle Holiday Guide for Foster Parents

Building Connection with Bio Parents

This is How You Grieve

The Art of Saying Goodbye

Building Trust in Relationships

We’re committed to ensuring that foster parents have access to the support and resources they need to provide loving and nurturing environments for the children in their care.

If you have a resource you think should be added to the list below, please email vierra@fosterandheart.org!

Free Items

From essential items to prom dresses, there are several community resources for children in foster care.

The Essentials Project

The Essentials Project is an initiative dedicated to providing essential items to children entering foster care during their time of need. We strive to create a sense of comfort and security for children by offering necessities such as clothing, hygiene products, and other essential items. Foster parents in the Treasure Valley area can text us at 208.204.0230 with the age, gender, and any special notes about the child entering their care, and our team will deliver a bag of essentials directly to your doorstep within 48 hours.

Little Duck Foster Closet

Started by a local foster parent, Kenzie, and supported by community donations, Little Duck Foster Closet provides new and gently used clothing, baby carriers, strollers, unopened diapers and wipes to local foster children.

Parker’s Closet

Parker’s Closet is a key initiative by the Freedom Youth Foundation, providing essential clothing and personal items to foster children and families. Supported by community donations, this program ensures that every child has access to clothing that promotes confidence and dignity.

The Closet

The Closet, Inc is a non-profit organization that provides free clothing and shoes to teens grades 6-12 in need. They have the option to schedule a private, one-hour “shopping” spree with a personal stylist. Stylists lead with empathy and compassion and provide guidance to the teens as they choose up to 12 high-quality items, including gently used clothing, brand new undergarments, socks, and toiletries.

Boise Bicycle Project

Boise Bicycle Project believes every kid should have a bike. Their bicycle giveaway programs provide over 1000+ bicycles to kids & teens from across the Treasure Valley, Fort Hall Reservation & Duck Valley Reservation each year. From ages 4-18, Boise Bycicle Project has several programs for children to receive a bike!

Formals for Teens

Any teen in Idaho foster care who needs a formal, can visit their website. There are numerous scouts to choose from. If they find one they like, they should contact Angie at 208-681-5714 and order their favorite. The dress will be shipped directly to them.

Get Out of the House

Fun activities around the Treasure Valley from children centered activities to foster children specific events!

Foster Parents’ Day Out

We host monthly engaging events that benefit the foster care community. These events include our ‘Foster Family Fun Day’ as well as our signature event ‘Foster Parents’ Day Out’ which takes place in a safe and fun environment giving foster parents time to run errands, go shopping, go on a date, etc.

Sport’s Clinic and Experiences

The Freedom Youth Foundation (FYF) offers free sports clinics and unique experiences that emphasize skill-building, teamwork, and self-esteem for foster youth. These enriching activities promote a sense of belonging and emotional growth, providing a supportive environment for participants to connect and escape daily challenges.

Babby Farms

Babby Farms is a non-profit organization with a simple mission: to give children and adults with disabilities the opportunity to experience the joy of interacting with a wide range of animals. On Thursdays, recieve discounted entry.

Boise Art Museum

On the first Thursday of each month, receive free admission or pay what you can.

Boise With Kids

An up-to-date calendar of family-friendly events that are happening in the Treasure Valley community.

The Mayfly Project

The Mayfly Project is a national nonprofit on a mission to support children in, or adopted out of, foster care with the sport of fly fishing! Fly fishing is a great tool for children in foster care to have fun, build self-esteem, develop life-skills, and find a new connection to the outdoors.

Treasure Valley YMCA

Foster children recieve free memberships with two free programs. Must sign up in person at one of the four facilities: Caldwell, Downtown Boise, West Boise, Tomlinson South Meridian.

Teen Opportunities

From job to scholarship opportunities, there are several community resources for teens in foster care.

Financial Literacy and Employment Training

Our Financial Literacy and Employment Training workshops offer foster youth essential tools for success in both personal finance and professional development. These workshops teach practical skills such as budgeting, saving, resume writing, interviewing, and how to conduct an effective job search.

Foster Care Furniture

Foster Care Furniture is a 501 C-3 non-profit corporation that has been created to train foster care youths in carpentry and woodworking skills. The trainees are paid to assist in manufacturing furniture that will be sold with all proceeds going to assist foster care children.

Impact Scholars Program

Are you a student who has experienced foster care and/or homelessness? The Impact Scholars Program is here to support your success by offering you individualized support, connections to campus and community resources and access to scholarships.

JEMfriends

JEMfriends supports at-risk youth in Idaho’s Treasure Valley through their Independent Living Program that provides housing, life skills, community, and more!

Community Building

Support groups and events for foster parents to build relationships with others in the same season of life.

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